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Dave Roberts Delivers Concerning Update on Shohei Ohtani’s Comeback Plan

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 21, 2025 12:38 PM ET

Shohei Ohtani’s highly anticipated return to the mound might not be coming as soon as some Los Angeles Dodgers fans had hoped.

As the Dodgers push through a rough stretch of the season, manager Dave Roberts was asked for an update on the club’s injured stars — Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Ohtani. His comments raised eyebrows.

While Roberts said he expects Glasnow to return first, he admitted there’s still no clear timeline for either Snell or Ohtani. What’s most surprising is that Ohtani, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, might actually return before Snell, who’s dealing with lingering soreness after just two starts.

Roberts offered a blunt update , according to ESPN baseball reporter Alden Gonzalez: “Shohei Ohtani threw breaking pitches off flat ground today and is in a progression towards facing hitters ... but we don’t have a timeline for simulated games.”

Shohei's status remains uncertain

That lack of clarity has sparked concern, especially considering that Ohtani was previously in a “static” phase of rehab. While he’s back to throwing and progressing steadily, the Dodgers still can’t say when he’ll be ready to pitch again.

Shohei Ohtani threw breaking pitches off flat ground today and is in a progression towards facing hitters, as opposed to the static state he was in not too long ago, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he does not know when he will get into simulated games.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) May 20, 2025

This is a pivotal situation for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team signed Blake Snell as a short-term reinforcement with Ohtani sidelined — yet Snell has suffered multiple setbacks, leaving the rotation thin and vulnerable. If Ohtani ends up returning before him, it will speak volumes about how poorly Snell’s recovery has gone.

For now, all eyes are back on Ohtani. The Dodgers need his two-way presence more than ever, but based on Roberts’ update, that return is still shrouded in uncertainty.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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