Shohei Ohtani says he misses the atmosphere of being the starting pitcher

Shohei Ohtani is the only player in Major League Baseball who can perform as both a pitcher and hitter. The dual-threat signed a landmark contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the offseason for 10 years in exchange for $700 million but will not be able to pitch until 2025 because he underwent surgery on his right elbow last September.

In his first season with the Dodgers Ohtani is serving as the designated hitter as he continues his rehab and is the team’s top homer hitter with 13. Coaches are impressed with Shohei’s ability to consistently be one of the best hitters in the league as he recovers from his right elbow surgery, as well as his work ethic to get back to pitching as soon as possible.

‘I miss that kind of atmosphere’

“I think any starting pitcher can tell you there’s a little bit of nervousness going into a game. In a sense, I miss that kind of atmosphere, but right now I’m concentrating on making progress every day and I’m focusing on that,” Shohei Ohtani told a group of reporters prior to the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field.

The dual-threat confirmed that he misses the feeling of being the starting pitcher, but his focus is on recovering to get back on the mound. Shohei Ohtani is making strides in his rehab and is even increasing pitch counts during practices since March and has started catching balls.

If all goes according to plan, the 29-year-old will pitch in September in a simulated game with hitters to find out exactly how his right elbow is doing. Regardless of the outcome of that session, the Dodgers have been very clear that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch this season.

The Dodgers recently beat the Mets 3-10 and their next game in the division will be against the Colorado Rockies. It will take place at Dodgers Stadium on Friday May 31 at at 10:10 PM ET 7:10 PM PT.