Uncertainty Surrounds Shohei Ohtani’s Return to Pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers
When Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason, expectations were high for his return to pitching on Opening Day 2025. However, delays have plagued his progress, with his timetable now uncertain.
According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani has not thrown off a mound since February 25 and will not face hitters until after the team’s season-opening Japan Series on March 18 and 19. Roberts explained that the team is taking a cautious approach to Ohtani’s pitching program as he focuses on ramping up as a hitter before the season.
Ohtani, who has been playing catch and performing well as a hitter in spring training, has not pitched in a game since undergoing surgery for a torn UCL in 2023. His pitching timeline was further complicated by a labrum tear in his non-throwing shoulder during the 2024 World Series, requiring additional surgery.
The Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani’s recovery and are not rushing his return to the mound. Despite his absence, the team boasts a strong rotation with pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and potentially Tony Gonsolin or Dustin May.
While Ohtani’s return date remains uncertain, the Dodgers are planning to shift to a six-man rotation once he is back on the pitching mound. Ohtani’s impressive career stats, including a 3.01 ERA, 1.082 WHIP, and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings, make his return eagerly anticipated by fans.
In the meantime, Ohtani continues to make significant contributions to the team with his stellar performance as a hitter and his value as a marketing asset. Despite the setbacks, Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers is undeniable, and his return to pitching will be a welcome development for the team and its fans.