Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani gets major update from insider

Patrick McAvoy

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani gets major update from insider image

The Los Angeles Dodgers are fortunate to have Shohei Ohtani with the franchise.

He's the most feared slugger in the National League and is right up there with New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge as the most dominant sluggers in baseball. What makes Ohtani even better is the fact that he obviously is an elite pitcher when he is healthy.

Last year he didn't pitch with the team and still won the National League Most Valuable Player Award. He hasn't pitched yet this season, but MLB Network's Jon Morosi had an update about him on Wednesday. 

"Oh, I think that he will be back before October," Morosi said about Ohtani pitching. "We're not sure exactly sure when that date will be...Dave Roberts told reporters...that Ohtani is expected to throw a light bullpen today in Chicago. Of course, he missed some time while on the paternity list. But, the idea is that his throwing progression continues. A full bullpen is happening on Saturday."

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This isn't an exact date for a return, but it is progress. He continues to throw and is building up with these bullpens for the Dodgers. The day will come at some point this season when he could end up taking the mound with Los Angeles and the franchise will somehow get taken to an even higher level when that happens.

For as much talent as the Dodgers have, their starting rotation actually has been somewhat thin due to injuries. It hasn't stopped them from racking up wins left and right, but there's an even higher level to this team and Ohtani can help with that.

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Patrick McAvoy

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 

Outside of journalism, Patrick also has received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Brandeis University and studied communication and business at Merrimack College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.