Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Seen Throwing Off Mound For First Time Since Surgery

Not even 24 hours after joining the 40-40 club with a walk-off grand slam, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani took the next step in his Tommy John rehab throwing off a mound for the first time.

Ohtani threw 10 pitches in the Dodgers bullpen at Dodger Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Dodgers have made it clear that he won’t be available to pitch this season. However, the bullpen session represented continued progress in his return to pitching.

Ohtani became the fastest 40-40 man in baseball history on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Japanese superstar achieved the feat in his 126th game and the team’s 129th, the quickest in major league history. He became the sixth ever to reach 40 homers and 40 stolen bases in a season and the first Dodgers player to do so.

“It’s really more about the winning,” Ohtani said through his interpreter Will Ireton after the game. “Obviously the record is part of the process but I think the most important thing is about winning the game.”

The previous mark was set by Alfonso Soriano in Game 148 for the Washington Nationals in 2006.

“It’s just storybook — 40-40 on the same night,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I don’t know if that’s ever been done and then he wins it with a grand slam. He’s definitely known for the dramatics and this was something I’ll remember for a long time.”

Ohtani has 12 stolen bases in August without being caught which is the most in a month by a Dodger since Rafael Furcal’s 12-for-12 in September and Oct. 2007.

“I know that he’s taking very good care of his legs to be able to do it and be that dynamic player,” Roberts said . “He’s doing his homework on opposing pitchers and he’s getting great jumps. He’s a much better base stealer. He’s very efficient.”

While the personal accolades are nice, Ohtani’s main goal is to play in the postseason. He has never played in a playoff game after spending the first six seasons of his Major League Baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels.

“The number one goal is to get to the postseason and win the World Series,” he said. “Whatever the outcome is for my record, that’s part of the process.”

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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