Manager Dave Roberts gushed about the tireless work ethic of his superstar, emphasizing the intense effort put in as Ohtani fired 29 blistering pitches in a live batting session
LOS ANGELES — Just 15 hours after blasting two homers and leading the Dodgers to a comeback win over the Yankees, Shohei Ohtani was back on the field Saturday afternoon. In his ongoing rehab from elbow surgery, Ohtani threw 29 pitches over two innings in a live BP session against minor-leaguers Kendall Simmons and Carlos Avila.
There were highlights, including a broken bat and a strikeout, but also evidence of rust with several errant curveballs and struggles with command.
“He came out of it healthy, which is the most important thing,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “He’d probably like better command, but it was a really positive day overall.”
This session came after Ohtani threw 22 pitches in live BP last Sunday in New York. Next weekend, he’s expected to increase his pitch count closer to 40 in a similar setting, with a full simulated game further down the line.
Looking ahead, Roberts noted that Ohtani still needs to build up to five or six innings before returning to MLB action as a pitcher for the first time since the second half of 2023. Meanwhile, Ohtani has been stellar at the plate, hitting 22 homers, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“What’s most impressive is how he can compartmentalize everything,” Roberts said. “He’s essentially doing the work of two players, and still excelling offensively. It’s pretty remarkable.”
TOUGH BREAK
Mookie Betts was diagnosed with a fracture in the tip of his left fourth toe, an injury suffered at home. While Betts is out for the Yankees series, the Dodgers aren’t ready to put him on the injured list.
“It’s really about how much pain he can handle,” said Roberts. “Right now, he can’t even get a shoe on comfortably, which is why he’s not playing. But we’re still taking it day by day.”
STEPPING ASIDE
Reliever Evan Phillips spoke about his upcoming Tommy John surgery, scheduled for Wednesday, describing it as “heavy” and “disappointing.” Phillips has been sidelined since early May and said the decision for surgery was made just this past Thursday.
“It’ll be tough to be away from the game,” he said. “But I’m determined to rehab and hopefully be back at my best in the second half of next year to help this team.”
Phillips expects to miss 12-13 months, eyeing a post-All-Star break return in 2025. He’s posted 45 saves and a 2.22 ERA over five seasons with the Dodgers.
BACK STOPPING
To make room for catcher Chuckie Robinson on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed Tyler Glasnow (shoulder inflammation) on the 60-day IL. Glasnow, with a 3.61 ERA in 27 starts for the Dodgers, isn’t eligible to return until late June.
Robinson, 30, was hitting .272 with one homer and 18 RBIs in Triple-A this year. He’s had brief stints in the majors with the Reds and White Sox, hitting .132 across 51 MLB games.
MUSIC MAN
Chappell Roan’s song “Pink Pony Club” became Michael Conforto’s walk-up song for Friday’s game, a move that paid off immediately with a second-inning single. Conforto said teammates suggested a new tune to help break his slump, and the switch seemed to work.
“It was a team decision,” Conforto said. “I’ll keep using it until I make an out. We’ll see if it sticks.”
Conforto said there were other songs in the mix, including a Miley Cyrus track, but by the end of the game, he was back to Tiesto’s “Lay Low.”
“We just like to have fun on this team,” he said.
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