Shohei Ohtani’s Comeback: Is It Science or Instinct That Will Decide His Fate on the Mound?
For three nights running in Cleveland, Shohei Ohtani has been lifting his right arm high above the fray — a gesture at once triumphant and quietly telling. After detonating a jaw-dropping opposite-field homer against the Cleveland Guardians, the three-time MVP began his home run trot during the Dodgers’ 9-5 win. This marked his third straight game going deep, pushing him to the top of the league with 20 homers. But that arm raised skyward? It’s more than a celebration; it’s a subtle nod to a journey far from ordinary. You see, Ohtani’s elbow isn’t just any arm; it’s one reshaped by surgery, a symbol of the pitching hiatus he’s endured since August 2023. While he absolutely crushed the entire 2024 season as a hitter, snagging MVP honors with a historic 50/50 power-speed combo, fans and foes alike have been hanging on every whisper about his eventual return to the mound. This past Sunday brought a pivotal moment: facing live hitters in New York, Ohtani fired off 22 pitches showcasing his full repertoire, then turned around and blasted a home run to open the game. If all goes well, we’ll see him pitching again before a Yankees game this weekend. So with such a unique path ahead, Ohtani’s comeback is being managed not just with care, but with a blend of data, intuition, and a bespoke approach befitting a player unlike any other. The Dodgers aren’t just hopeful; they’re meticulous — holding that arm aloft as a beacon of resilience and greatness. LEARN MORECLEVELAND — For the third night in a row, Shohei Ohtani held his right arm aloft.
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