So, finally, the dream comes true! The White House is lit with the presence of the Dodgers superstar, Shohei Ohtani. And why not? President Donald Trump warmly welcomed the team, marking their first visit since clinching the 2024 World Series title. He lauded Ohtani for his outstanding performance, highlighting his historic achievement of becoming the first Major League Baseball player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.
President Donald Trump praising Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable achievements and charismatic presence, remarked, “He looks like a movie star.” This compliment underscored Ohtani’s significant impact both on and off the field. However, what’s more exciting to see is the way Shohei Ohtani didn’t just keep it to himself or his experience of meeting the “top person” in the country. He said something more, which caught the attention of many.
During the celebratory event at the White House on April 7, Shohei Ohtani remained clear about his goal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He said, “It was an honor to be able to meet the top person in this country,” and also boldly presented his goal. Ohtani was asked whether he would like to return to the White House again if the Dodgers win the next World Championship title, to which he said, “I think I’d like to go as many times as possible.” This underscores his determination to lead the team to more victories and secure future titles, which would indeed pave the way for more White House visits.
So far, the Dodgers star has shown promise on the pitch. In the first 12 games, Ohtani batted at an average of .311 with a 1.081 OPS and even posted 4 home runs along with 5 RBIs and 2 stolen bases as well. His walk-off homer in the ninth against the Atlanta Braves was one of the best at Dodger Stadium. Furthermore, his new signature style of celebration, mimicking a commercial that he was part of for a Japanese skincare company, have brought a playful energy to the dugout.
That might well be the reason why President Donald Trump made a joke about him, calling him a movie star. However, Ohtani’s 50-50 record doesn’t make him less than a superstar in every right. Isn’t it? However, there remains a question regarding when Shohei Ohtani will be able to retake the mound.
When will Shohei Ohtani get back to the mound and start pitching?
It all looks like a well-prepared plan by the Los Angeles Dodgers. While fans eagerly await Ohtani’s return to pitching, especially after he mentioned incorporating fastballs into his bullpen sessions. But with Ohtani in the rehabilitation process due to the elbow injury, Dave Roberts has cleared the air. He said, “I think he’s actually in a good place. He’s still playing. It was a collective decision; I think that he understands the goal is to make sure that he is firing on all cylinders towards the end of the season through October. We’re in a lockstep.”
So, it all comes down to a mutual decision, and the Dodgers seem to be in no hurry to let him pitch until the end of the season. Ohtani pitched in August 2023 for the last time and stopped his pitching sessions in February 2025. Recently, Ohtani resumed bullpen sessions, throwing 26 pitches, including splitters, marking a positive step in his rehabilitation. He expressed optimism, stating, “I think the bullpens are going well.” This cautious progression aims to ensure his full recovery and effectiveness, avoiding potential setbacks from an expedited return.
We all hope that Shohei Ohtani makes a quick return to the mound and starts pitching again. What are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comment section.
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