The Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to see the full extent of Shohei Ohtani’s greatness.

Although he became the first player in MLB history to have 50 or more home runs and stolen bases in a season while earning MVP honors and getting an eighth World Series title with Los Angeles in his first season on the Dodgers, Ohtani has yet to pitch in a Dodgers uniform.

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The career 3.01 ERA pitcher in MLB took a massive step in getting back onto the mound: A live batting practice. Hyeseong Kim, Dalton Rushing and Dodgers game planning coach J.T. Watkins were the first batters facing off against Ohtani in nearly two years.

The three-time MVP spoke on how the simulated inning felt as he continues to progress back to the hill.

“Just really felt good overall, just looking at the overall execution,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “It was a really good first step, and looking forward to the next one.

“I haven’t thrown (to hitters) in a while, so it was nice to be able to feel like I was a pitcher,” Ohtani said. “I just kind of remembered those days when I used to have a lot of good memories as a pitcher.”

Ohtani last pitched in a game on Aug. 23, 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. He is now at a place where he was hitting 97 mph against live batters, even if he wasn’t necessarily trying to.

“I am aware that I do throw a little harder when there is a hitter in the box,” Ohtani said. “I try to keep it 93-4, but I know I was touching 96 and 7s, which I wanted to not do. But it’s a good sign that I could hit that.”

About five hours after facing hitters, Ohtani smashed a 411-foot leadoff home run, further proving the divide between himself and a mortal man. He later discussed his plan on continuing his pitching progressions.

“I’m going to do live BPs once a week moving forward,” he said. “On the road, I’m sure it’s going to be a little bit difficult to get quality hitters to stand in at times, but at home I should be able to get good minor-league hitters to stand in.”

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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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