Post-Surgery Update: Ohtani's 50-Pitch Bullpen Session And Kershaw's Return

David

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Post on May 18, 2025

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Post-Surgery Update: Ohtani's 50-Pitch Bullpen Session Signals Positive Progress, Kershaw's Return Imminent for Dodgers

The baseball world is buzzing with exciting news regarding two pitching superstars: Shohei Ohtani's recovery from UCL surgery and Clayton Kershaw's impending return to the Dodgers. Both updates offer significant boosts to their respective teams' playoff hopes.

Ohtani's Encouraging 50-Pitch Bullpen Session

Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani threw a 50-pitch bullpen session, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. This successful session, reported by multiple sources including ESPN and MLB.com, offers a beacon of hope for Angels fans desperate to see their two-way phenom back on the mound. While a specific return date remains unannounced, the positive progress suggests a potential return to pitching duties before the end of the regular season. This is a crucial development for the Angels, who are currently battling for a playoff spot. Ohtani's presence, both as a hitter and pitcher, is undeniably a game-changer. The team's performance has noticeably suffered in his absence.

The 50-pitch session wasn't just about quantity; it was about quality. Reports indicate Ohtani's velocity and control were impressive, exceeding initial expectations. This suggests a smoother-than-anticipated recovery process and bodes well for his future contributions. His next steps will likely involve simulated games before a potential return to major league action. This cautious approach is standard procedure following Tommy John surgery, emphasizing a long-term strategy over rushing his comeback. The Angels are understandably prioritizing Ohtani's long-term health while carefully managing his workload.

Key takeaways from Ohtani's bullpen session:

• 50-pitch milestone achieved.
• Impressive velocity and control reported.
• Potential return to pitching before the regular season's end.
• Cautious approach prioritizing long-term health.

Kershaw's Return Looms Large for the Dodgers

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers are eagerly awaiting the return of their veteran ace, Clayton Kershaw. After dealing with back issues, Kershaw has been working his way back to full strength. Recent reports suggest he's nearing a return to the active roster, injecting a much-needed boost into the Dodgers' pitching staff. His experience and consistent dominance in crucial moments will be invaluable as the postseason approaches. The Dodgers, despite their overall strong performance, have faced some inconsistency on the mound lately, and Kershaw's presence will undoubtedly stabilize their pitching rotation. His return is expected to significantly strengthen their playoff chances.

Kershaw's career speaks for itself. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, he consistently ranks among the league's elite pitchers. His return represents not just a boost to the team's on-field performance, but also a significant morale boost for the entire organization. The Dodgers are known for their strong pitching depth, but Kershaw is undoubtedly their undisputed leader on the mound. His presence is a calming influence, and his experience provides invaluable leadership to the younger pitchers.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

Both Ohtani's and Kershaw's potential returns have massive playoff implications for their respective teams. For the Angels, Ohtani's return could be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out entirely. Similarly, Kershaw's return will solidify the Dodgers' position as a serious contender for the World Series. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining their full impact on their teams' postseason runs. Fans across the league will be watching closely.

Call to Action: Stay tuned to MLB.com and other reputable sports news sources for the latest updates on both Ohtani and Kershaw's recovery and potential return dates. What are your predictions for these two stars' impact on their respective teams' playoff runs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!