No ‘template’ to bring Shohei Ohtani back as a pitcher, says Los Angeles Dodger’s coach Mark Prior – Chicago Tribune

Glendale, Ariz.-Die Straße Back to the two-way player status is not delivered with a card.

Dodgers Pitching coach Mark Prior said the decision to “slowly” the SHOHEI OHTANN when the team is preparing for the trip to Japan, a pivot point in “The Last 72 hours or so” was a reaction to the unique situation that is ohtani.

“It was one of these things where … we have to rely a lot on him,” said Prient Friday. “We don’t really have this template or roadmap with a man with a two-way situation. So we rely on him as he feels. I know that you are trying to control all workload management with your left shoulder and come back from this (operation). The goal that prepares for the season – it is clearly an important part of our offensive side of the ball.

“I think there is a little shift at the moment to ensure that it is dialed off from the point of view of the DH perspective. In Japan it would be a bit strange in Japan, only because of the days off and the training sessions and the like. I think it was a good time to weigh just a kind of de-load and make sure that he is willing to go and then throw it away and then prepare as soon as we come back. “

Ohtani threw four Bullpen meetings in just over a week and built up to 30 parking spaces at the session on February 25. But since then he has not thrown a hill from a hill and continues to play catch and throws on a flat floor.

Prior said there was nothing negative, which made the decision to end the ohtanis throwing program, which he was “consciously”. Dave Roberts, Manager of Dodgers, said that the coaches continue to monitor Ohtanis during his flat-gro throwing sessions and it is “exactly where it had to be”.

The Dodgers made a similar decision last autumn. Ohtani built up against Bullpen meetings late in the regular season, but stopped throwing a hill and limited his work on an occasional basis, while she concentrated on the Dod of the Dodgers during her post -season.

“It’s nothing that is ideal,” said Prior. “But you can find different ways. It is not something personal or professional what we have gone through, what can be managed.

“There are many variables that are unique in its situation. I think it’s just about being open and trying to be careful and pursue the right approach. Here, too, a large part of it is where Sho is, and ensuring that he feels comfortable with what he does. “

The plan for the moment is that Ohtani “rises again” when the Dodgers return from Japan and prepare for their home start on March 27.

“But we will only see where we are two weeks after the next 10 days,” said Prior.

Prior also pointed out that the depth of the Dodgers when starting pitching options enables them not to put pressure on ohtani, to quickly return and instead concentrate on having it in full strength for another after season run.

“This is not a situation in which we have to round off five starters in the traditional sense,” said Prior. “He won’t be a traditional starter anyway. He will probably set up once a week and the idea is to make sure that we have it at the right time of the season to maximize it. “

Originally published: March 10, 2025 at 7:42 a.m. CDT