Shohei Ohtani, recovering from Tommy John surgery, recently struggled to complete five innings in starts. Initially using short bursts, he now faces the challenge of pitching deeper into games. In a recent game against the Reds, Ohtani showcased improved performance, pitching five strong innings, utilizing a wider array of pitches, and achieving nine strikeouts. This improved outing demonstrates his ability to go deeper into games, increasing his value for the Dodgers' postseason pitching rotation. His success signifies a crucial step in his recovery and development.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.