Ohtani's Pitching Velocity Concerns Ahead of Playoffs
- Neal ElAttrache, the surgeon who performed Ohtani's second Tommy John surgery, has expressed concerns about the risks of returning to pitch in the postseason.
- Ohtani's pitching velocity has increased to 93 mph, but ElAttrache recommends keeping it under 90 mph during rehabilitation.
- Despite the challenges of recovery, ElAttrache is optimistic about Ohtani's potential to perform well when he returns to the mound.
Shohei Ohtani, a star player for the Dodgers, is currently undergoing rehabilitation following his second Tommy John surgery, which was performed by team physician Neal ElAttrache. Despite showing promising pitching performance, with his velocity reaching 93 mph, ElAttrache has advised caution, recommending that Ohtani's pitching speed remain under 90 mph for now. The surgeon emphasized the risks associated with returning to competitive play after elbow or shoulder surgery, particularly in high-stress postseason conditions where there are no minor-league games available for rehabilitation. ElAttrache, who has performed numerous Tommy John surgeries over his career, noted that the likelihood of returning to peak performance decreases with a second surgery. However, he remains optimistic about Ohtani's future performance, indicating that there are no signs suggesting he won't excel upon his return to the mound. The context of this situation is significant, as Ohtani is on track for his third Most Valuable Player award, highlighting the stakes involved in his recovery and potential return to pitching.