Shohei Ohtani Threw Off a Mound for the First Time Since Elbow Surgery

Ohtani took a big step towards pitching again.

Aug 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) smiles to fans as he leaves the field after hitting a walk-off grand slam home run, his 40th of the season, in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Watson. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani matched a big milestone Friday night and followed it up with more good news on Saturday.

Ohtani is currently recovering from his second Tommy John surgery after undergoing the procedure last September. On Saturday he stepped on a mound and delivered pitches for the first time since his surgery.

Shohei Ohtani last night, 40/40.

Today, throwing off a mound for the first time since elbow surgery 👀 pic.twitter.com/jjQtSCqZkF

— MLB (@MLB) August 25, 2024

That's big news for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract over the winter. They certainly did not pay him that much to be their designated hitter for the next decade. They want the two-way player who turned baseball on its head as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

While Ohtani has an argument as the best hitter in Major League Baseball and certainly can lay claim to the title of being the league's best player, he's exponentially more valuable when he can pitch.

In 86 career starts, Ohtani is 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and 608 strikeouts against 173 walks in 481 2/3 innings. His best season came in 2022 when he went 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP and 219 strikeouts in 166 innings. If he can come close to being that guy again while slugging the ball the way he does, his $700 million contract might seem like a bargain.

As it stands, Ohtani is the odds-on favorite to win the National League MVP Award. He's currently slashing .292/.378/.614, with a .992 OPS, 40 home runs, 40 stolen bases and 92 RBIs.

When he gets back to pitching, those numbers will look even more ridiculous.