Shohei Ohtani Makes Progress Towards Pitching Return
Shohei Ohtani took an important step in his recovery on Tuesday as he returned to the mound, demonstrating progress as he looks to rejoin the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching rotation. Ohtani, known for his unique talent as a two-way player, faced live minor-league batters during a simulated game at Petco Park, prior to a matchup between the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres.
During this session, Ohtani showcased his skills, throwing a total of 44 pitches over three innings. Reports indicate that he allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out six of the nine batters he faced. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s performance, stating that he "thought he was really good" and noted the effectiveness of Ohtani’s fastball and breaking pitches.
This performance marked Ohtani’s first time pitching since late May, when he participated in a similar practice session. Over the last several weeks, his pitching activities had been limited to bullpen sessions without batters. The progress he showed on Tuesday is a promising sign for the Dodgers and fans who are eager to see Ohtani back on the mound in an official game.
Timing of Ohtani’s Return
When asked about Ohtani’s potential return to competition, Roberts expressed optimism but emphasized that the final decision would be made by Ohtani himself, along with the team’s training staff and Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Ohtani’s recent UCL surgery. Roberts mentioned that while a full buildup to a standard starter’s workload may not be necessary, any contribution Ohtani can give the team would be beneficial.
There is some discussion around whether Ohtani could return sooner than expected. If he’s ready to pitch shorter outings—say three innings instead of the usual six or seven—the Dodgers might bring him back without him counting against their 13-pitcher roster limit, thanks to his designation as a two-way player. This could allow Ohtani to contribute while the team navigates roster constraints.
Careful Approach
Despite Ohtani’s eagerness to return, Roberts assured that the team is taking a cautious approach. He remarked that while it’s tempting for Ohtani to jump back into action, the Dodgers are prioritizing a patient strategy. The team understands the importance of ensuring Ohtani is fully ready and in good health before he steps back onto the mound in a game.
When pressed about the timeline for Ohtani’s return before the All-Star break, Roberts hinted that it’s still possible, mentioning, “It’s definitely not non-zero. It’s north of zero.” The exact timeline may remain uncertain, but there is hope among the Dodgers regarding Ohtani’s comeback.
A Long Layoff
Ohtani last pitched in a game in August 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels before undergoing surgery on his right elbow. This was his second UCL surgery; he had previously had Tommy John surgery in 2018. Upon joining the Dodgers, Ohtani had an impressive season at the plate, even earning his third MVP award after a record-breaking offensive performance with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.
Currently, Ohtani is off to another strong start this season, leading the National League with 23 home runs as of Monday. However, his return to the mound remains unclear as he approaches two years since his last official pitching appearance.
With the Dodgers holding a strong 40-27 record and battling in a competitive NL West, the team could greatly benefit from Ohtani’s return to pitching. However, the organization is committed to exercising caution, prioritizing Ohtani’s health and well-being above all else. For now, fans can remain hopeful as they cheer for his continued success at the plate while anticipating his eventual return to the mound.
