Shohei Ohtani is getting closer to making his long-awaited return to the mound, with a bullpen session scheduled for either Thursday or Friday that could pave the way for a short start as early as this weekend in Detroit. Pitching coach Mark Prior confirmed the bullpen, and manager Roberts didn’t rule out Ohtani making an appearance on Sunday, which would be a massive boost for the Dodgers.
Glasnow Shakes Off Early Rust, Shows Ace Stuff
Man, that 4-3 loss to the Braves on Tuesday really stung. Leaving the tying runner stranded on third base in the ninth to snap a six-game winning streak? Brutal. But hey, it wasn’t all bad news, because Tyler Glasnow made his first start since May 6, and while the first inning was a bit of a nail-biter, he quickly locked in. He gave up three earned runs in that opening frame, which is never how you want to start a game, but just like Tarik Skubal on Saturday, Glasnow settled down fast. He didn’t allow another run the rest of the way. He ended up tossing five innings against Atlanta, giving up six hits and those three early runs, but also striking out seven without a single walk. Glasnow himself talked about switching up his sequencing after that laborious first inning. He said the first was “pretty fastball-heavy,” making him “a little bit predictable.” But he came out in the second feeling “more in rhythm,” and his slider was “working a lot better.” That adjustment was key, helping him strike out six batters over four shutout innings onward. That’s the kind of gritty performance you love to see from an ace.
Alek Thomas Is Already ‘Next-Level’ for the Blue Crew
Remember Alek Thomas, who spent parts of five seasons with the division rival Arizona Diamondbacks? Well, he’s a Dodger now, and he’s had a pretty sweet start to his time with the club. Thomas put the Dodgers on the scoreboard in the second inning of Tuesday’s game with an RBI single, which is exactly the kind of immediate impact you want from a new guy. Over his first three games, the outfielder is hitting a cool .300 with three RBI and a walk. Before Tuesday’s matchup, Thomas chatted with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA, and his take on joining the Dodgers was pretty telling. He said he’d “heard that everything is next-level,” and seeing it “firsthand, even in the minor leagues,” was “very eyeopening.” He felt like “everything has been just on another level to what I’ve been used to in the past,” and they’re “in the future, it seems.” That’s high praise, and it shows why he’s already making a difference.
With the winning streak snapped, the Dodgers will be looking to get back on track ASAP. And with Shohei Ohtani potentially taking the mound this weekend in Detroit, even for a short start, the excitement is building. Imagine that energy boost! It’s going to be huge to see what Roberts and Ohtani decide are the next steps after that bullpen session.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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