The ongoing saga of Shohei Ohtani and his recovery from injury continues to unfold, as reports indicate he has recently begun throwing live batting practice after touching 97 mph with his fastball. Ohtani noted that the adrenaline of facing live hitters again may have spurred the velocity, and he plans to maintain this routine weekly, offering hope for his return to the pitching rotation.

This strategy seems aimed at acclimatizing him to competitive pitching innings post-All-Star break, without the need for a rehab assignment. Analysts suggest this could ultimately position Ohtani as a vital part of the Angels' pitching rotation in the second half of the season, contingent on how well he adapts to this practice schedule.

The Mets showcased resilience in their latest series against the Dodgers, bouncing back after a tough first game to win two straight. Kevin Klein, host of the Incline Dodgers podcast, expressed disappointment in the Dodgers' performance, particularly their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Key players like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman struggled offensively, creating frustration among Dodgers fans. Despite these struggles, Klein acknowledged the Mets' strong pitching, particularly from David Peterson, who stifled the Dodgers in game two.

Looking ahead, both teams have critical matchups coming up. The Mets aim to solidify their playoff position, while the Dodgers remain confident despite recent injuries. The round-up of the series highlighted the importance of offensive production and defensive prowess, particularly from players like Francisco Lindor and Brett Baty, who excelled defensively. As both teams prepare for their next encounters, strategies around player performance and injury management will be pivotal.

Shohei Ohtani's return to facing hitters marks a pivotal step in his recovery from elbow surgery. Observers noted his positive demeanor as he faced various batters, including a double hit by Ha-Seong Kim. This progression is crucial as the Angels anticipate his full return post-All-Star break, having invested heavily in his dual-role capabilities.

On the injury front, Roki Sasaki is set to commence throwing after a brief rehab period. Meanwhile, concerns about Evan Phillips' elbow discomfort have escalated, indicating his season could be in jeopardy. On a brighter note, Michael Kopech's rehab appearances suggest a solid comeback, while other injured players continue their recovery efforts at home.

The New York Mets experienced a challenging week, managing only two wins against five losses, leading to deeper discussions about the team's struggles. The Mets' batting average with runners in scoring position has plummeted, ranking fourth worst in baseball. Key players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso have been underperforming, contributing to the team's overall offensive woes.

Despite some bright spots from younger players, the veteran hitters are expected to step up but have not been able to do so consistently. Speculations around Brandon Nimmo's recent slump and Juan Soto's adjustment period add to the woes of the Mets, which have been magnified by their rivalry matches against the Yankees. The Mets now face the daunting task of regaining confidence against the struggling Dodgers, which could either reignite their season or deepen their troubles.