Shohei Ohtani\u2019s return to two-way status is going about as well as anyone could have hoped.<\/p>\n
Although he\u2019s taking a measured approach to restarting on the mound, Ohtani is still making an impression. He\u2019s given up one run, four hits, and one walk while striking out six batters in his six innings of work\u2014a great record if taken all as one outing, Jack Harris at the Los Angeles Times<\/a> points out. <\/p>\n And that\u2019s not all: Ohtani\u2019s fastball regularly hits 100 mph, even after a second Tommy John surgery, and his command is still excellent. He\u2019s even introduced a lower arm angle to ensure optimal performance after surgery. <\/p>\n \u201cHe understands his delivery and what he\u2019s trying to do,\u201d manager Dave Roberts said. \u201cSo obviously coming off the second Tommy John, I think this probably puts his arm in the best position, [where he] feels best. I like where he\u2019s at.\u201d<\/p>\n When it comes to batting, Ohtani is still at the top of his game\u2014he leads the National League in homers and slugging percentage\u2014but taking the mound has created some extra fatigue at the plate. When he\u2019s in the lineup the day after a pitching outing, he\u2019s 0 for 12 so far. <\/p>\n Roberts isn\u2019t concerned, though. \u201cI think he\u2019s still taking good at-bats,\u201d he said. \u201cI still don\u2019t mind where he\u2019s at right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Dodgers Notes <\/p>\n Who\u2019s the best team in baseball? Four baseball execs agreed that it\u2019s the Dodgers<\/a>…when they\u2019re healthy, according to The Athletic\u2019s Jayson Stark<\/a>. <\/p>\n Maybe the team\u2019s slew of injuries is why the cracks are starting to show a bit more. Kevin Baxter at the Los Angeles Times<\/a> breaks down key differences between this year\u2019s team and last year\u2019s, including the types of injuries they\u2019re facing. <\/p>\n