Los Angeles Dodgers fans eagerly awaiting Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound may have to exercise some patience, as manager Dave Roberts hinted that the star pitcher will likely make his comeback in May. Roberts mentioned at the team’s FanFest that Ohtani’s rehab is progressing well, with a return to pitching in May seeming like a reasonable timeline. The exact date remains uncertain, but Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani’s recovery.
Ohtani underwent surgery on his UCL at the end of the 2023 season and spent the entire 2024 season as a designated hitter due to the injury. Initially expected to be ready for Opening Day in 2025, his return was delayed after he tore his labrum in his non-pitching shoulder during the World Series, necessitating another surgery.
The Dodgers are facing a dilemma regarding Ohtani’s return, as they are reluctant to lose his offensive prowess for an extended period. General manager Brandon Gomes stated that Ohtani will transition directly from batting practices to pitching, as sending him on a rehab assignment would force the team to forego their designated hitter.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Ohtani’s pitching status, the Dodgers remain confident in his overall impact on the team. With his historic 50-homer, 50-stolen base season and the financial benefits his presence has brought to the franchise, Ohtani’s value transcends his pitching performance.
As the Dodgers prepare for Opening Day without Ohtani on the mound, they boast a rotation featuring top talents like Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki. The team’s depth will be tested, especially with a planned six-man rotation and the need to fill additional pitching slots. Pitchers like Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, recovering from Tommy John surgery, could step up to fill the void alongside prospects like Bobby Miller, Landon Knack, and others.
Veteran Clayton Kershaw, committed to returning to the Dodgers, is expected to rejoin the team post-spring training once roster spots open up. However, Kershaw, like Ohtani, may not be ready for Opening Day due to offseason surgery. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers remain optimistic about their pitching staff’s potential and look forward to a successful season ahead.