Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters two-way star player Shohei Otani threw his first bullpen session since injuring his left leg back in early April during their match against the Orix Buffaloes, which landed him in the DL.

Shohei Otani threw a total of 41 pitches in the bullpen in one of the facilities here in Kamagaya, Chiba according to Nikkan sports, ranging around the upper 90’s according to the bullpen catcher regarding about his fastball velocity. Shohei Otani also did some long toss as well from a distance of 18 to 44 meters.

Results are okay overall in his first session, and Shohei Otani is now on his way to a steady recovery. His team are still planning to let him do more bullpen sessions with more pitches thrown in the upcoming days for him to possibly pitch again in an actual game when he’s finally activated from the DL.

Shohei Otani has been limited to DH duties this season due to a nagging ankle injury he suffered last year in the postseason, but has been a force at the plate for Hokkaido batting .407/.469/.815 with 2 homeruns in 8 games to start the year before his other (leg) injury.