Shohei Ohtani eyes defence of World Baseball Classic title with Japan in 2026

Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani is not pitching this season as he recovers from elbow surgery but remains a lethal hitter at the plate.

The Japanese designated hitter leads all of MLB in batting average (.336), just ahead of Dodgers teammate – and 2023 WBC rival – Mookie Betts.

However, Ohtani told media he is progressing in rehab, throwing from around the distance of the pitcher’s mound but not yet off a mound, which is elevated.

“Last week it was about 60 feet (18.3m),” Ohtani said. The normal distance from the back of home plate to the pitching mound is 60 feet 6 inches. “The velocity was up to 80 miles per hour. I believe the distance and number of pitches will go up gradually.

“I’m at a stage where I need to take one step at a time. I won’t fret over it and take the next step properly.”