The Dodgers' caution in bringing Ohtani back slowly from the internal brace surgery on his right elbow is a measure of protecting their largest investment. If Ohtani can't replicate his pre-surgery form, it's unlikely the Dodgers' front office would allow him to risk an injury on the mound.

Shohei Ohtani's rehab plan purposefully limited him to fastballs only for months, but that limiter has now been removed in his bullpen sessions.