Dodgers' Dave Roberts Sets Date for Shohei Ohtani's Next Pitching Outing

This is a great sign for Ohtani and the Dodgers. Even though his outings so far in 2025 haven't been long, he's still getting out on the mound and working back towards a longer role in some capacity.

Ohtani hadn't pitched since 2023 when he had his first appearances for the Dodgers in 2025. While it didn't match his previous starts before his Tommy John surgery, Ohtani still showed signs of progress.

In his first two outings, Ohtani went just two innings and has a 4.50 ERA. He's allowed two hits, one earned run, and has yet to walk a batter in his season so far. Ohtani also struck out two batters, both in his most recent start.

While the Dodgers continue to work him back into the rotation, Ohtani is still just pitching one inning at a time. He's one of the game's best pitchers when healthy, but the Dodgers are taking extra care as he slowly recovers from his injury.

Part of why the Dodgers are taking their time is that Ohtani can't have a typical minor-league rehab stint. He's the team's everyday designated hitter, and taking him out of the lineup to get rehab starts in the Minor Leagues doesn't make sense.

Ohtani is a huge reason for the team's success in 2025 and 2024, and rushing him back from injury isn't the best path for either the Dodgers or Ohtani. 

He's now set to to face the Royals for his third start of the year. His first two starts came against the San Diego Padres and the Washington Nationals. This will be Ohtani's first time pitching in the AL since leaving the Angels after the 2023 season.