May 31, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior (99) and interpreter Will Ireton watch as Shohei Ohtani (17) throws live batting practice prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dodgers Manager Reveals New Timeline for Shohei Ohtani Pitching Return

Originally posted on Los Angeles Dodgers on SI
By Nelson Espinal | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 10:59 AM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a new update on megastar Shohei Ohtani's pitching return as the team deals with several pitching injuries.

On Tuesday, before the Dodgers' second game of their series against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani threw three simulated innings totaling 44 pitches and six strikeouts.

The outing left Dave Roberts impressed and hinting at a return to the mound soon for Ohtani.

Full segment on Shohei Ohtani's 3rd live BP. Comments from Mark Prior and Dave Roberts. Looked good today. Faced 11 batters, 44 pitches and 6 K's! It was reported that his FB was 93-96 mph.
©️SportsNetLA pic.twitter.com/NikqXHy5U5
— James¹⁷¹⁸ (@ShotimeLAD) June 11, 2025

Roberts told reporters there is a "north of zero" chance Ohtani makes his 2025 pitching debut before the All-Star break.

According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, Ohtani could return as a two or three-inning spot starter, easing his way back from injury while taking on big league hitting.

The Dodgers, despite dealing with multiple injuries, have remained extremely patient with Ohtani's return to pitching and fought off urges to put him back too soon.

"It's tempting," Roberts said regarding bringing back Ohtani soon.

"I'm sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off for a big league game. But I think we've done a good job of just being patient. And truth be told, I don't know if anyone knows the right time to get him in a big league game. But we're still being very careful."

The Dodgers' arms were bitten by the injury bug this season. Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw have missed sizable portions of the season on the injured list.

Los Angeles already had several injured pitchers even before the season started — though most were from the bullpen — but during the season, their starters got injured in bunches.

The Dodgers have used several different starting pitchers to cope, promoting marginal prospects to fill the immediate need and make spot starts.

A name that has gone under the radar pitching-wise is Ohtani, who has not pitched in Dodger blue yet.

It appears that could change sooner rather than later.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Dodgers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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