Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani started a rehab throwing program Monday for the first time since he had elbow surgery last September.
Ohtani played catch at Dodger Stadium, throwing about 50 pitches from a distance of up to 15 meters. He spoke to the media earlier in the day about allegations of illegal gambling and theft made against his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
The 2023 American League home run leader and two-time unanimous MVP is expected only to hit this season.
Ohtani went 0-for-2 with a walk in the Dodgers' 6-0 loss to his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, in the second game of the three-game exhibition Freeway Series.
The Dodgers will play their first regular-season game back in the United States on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals after splitting the season-opening two-game series in Seoul with the San Diego Padres.
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