Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani is not pitching this season as he recovers from elbow surgery but remains a lethal hitter at the plate.
The Japanese designated hitter leads all of MLB in batting average (.336), just ahead of Dodgers teammate – and 2023 WBC rival – Mookie Betts.
However, Ohtani told media he is progressing in rehab, throwing from around the distance of the pitcher’s mound but not yet off a mound, which is elevated.
“Last week it was about 60 feet (18.3m),” Ohtani said. The normal distance from the back of home plate to the pitching mound is 60 feet 6 inches. “The velocity was up to 80 miles per hour. I believe the distance and number of pitches will go up gradually.
“I’m at a stage where I need to take one step at a time. I won’t fret over it and take the next step properly.”