Ohtani set for first bullpen session; Phillips/Kopech 'behind schedule'
Sonja Chen
@sonjamchenGLENDALE, Ariz. -- Shohei Ohtani is slated to take another step forward in his rehab, as the Dodgers' superstar thinks he'll throw a bullpen session this coming weekend.
While he's previously been seen playing catch off the mound -- and is back to throwing all of his pitches on flat ground -- Ohtani's first bullpen session of spring will be a more concrete milestone that could help the Dodgers set a clearer timeline for his return to a big league mound. Ohtani sees it as "more about touching the slope," he said through team interpreter Will Ireton, rather than pitching with intensity in the first go-round.
After undergoing surgery to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament in September 2023 and having left shoulder surgery last November, Ohtani is expected to be ready for Opening Day as a hitter and return to pitching in Major League games sometime in May.
Manager Dave Roberts on Wednesday shared more details about what to expect for Ohtani's rehab, including that he is not expected to pitch in any Cactus League games or go on a Minor League rehab assignment when the regular season begins.
Thus, the Dodgers will have to find a way for Ohtani to build up his arm if he won't see any game action prior to his return.
As a hitter, Ohtani reiterated that he feels on schedule, although he has some lingering discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder.
"Just a limited range of motion," Ohtani said. "I¡¯ve gone through it with the elbow before, and with the shoulder, it¡¯s a little bit more complicated. I do believe that¡¯s the part that I have to be patient."
Roberts acknowledged that managing Ohtani's workload will be different this year since he'll be back to pitching. There will probably be less basestealing, with Ohtani staying mindful of his shoulder, and more days off as a DH.
"As far as the pitching vs. hitting, he's done it before," Roberts said. "He's had big years doing both. ¡ We haven't got there yet as far as what he's comfortable with, what he feels good about. I'm looking forward to those conversations, but it's obviously going to be a little more complex than it was last year."
Phillips and Kopech 'behind schedule'
Relievers Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech are dealing with lingering injuries from last season and arrived at Camelback Ranch "a little behind schedule," Roberts said. They could be candidates to open the season on the injured list, but Roberts said it would depend on how they're able to build up in the next couple of weeks.
Phillips sustained an arm injury during last year's NL Championship Series and had to be replaced on the World Series roster. Kopech was dealing with right forearm inflammation during the offseason, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
The Dodgers bolstered their bullpen in the offseason by signing 2024 All-Stars Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, and also brought back Blake Treinen on a two-year pact. If Phillips and Kopech need to miss time, the team has plenty of relief depth, which would make it easier to weather their potential absences.
"Not to say that the regular season doesn't matter because it's certainly very important, but the health is everything," Roberts said. "Knowing that we have a lot of talented arms in the 'pen certainly gives us a lot more latitude. Making sure they're ready for the front of the season -- we're not going to rush them."
Sasaki's gift to Rojas
When Miguel Rojas gave up his No. 11 to Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, the veteran infielder made it clear that he expected nothing in return. Sasaki, regardless, said that he still wanted to give something to Rojas in exchange for the number.
The gift ended up being two bottles of sake, as the Dodgers shared on social media.