Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Reveals Major Pitching Change

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By TJ French | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers' 2024 MVP, Shohei Ohtani, is ramping up his rehab to join the team's loaded rotation in his highly anticipated pitching return sometime in May.

Los Angeles, which dealt with numerous injuries to its starters last season, decided to bolster the rotation by signing Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. Ohtani will fit right into the top of the rotation and will likely be one of their top arms when he's ready.

However, when he returns, his motion will look slightly different. Ohtani announced earlier this week that he wants to start throwing primarily from the windup. From Dodgers reporter Bill Plunkett, here is what Ohtani had to say through his interpreter:

“Traditionally, I’ve been throwing from the stretch a lot,” said Ohtani. “But as part of being a baseball player, I do want to explore different options, different avenues, to see if I could grow as a player. I do that on the pitching side as well as as a hitter.”

During his time as the Los Angeles Angels ace, Ohtani always threw from the stretch and was very successful. The three-time MVP also noted that he wants to see how his body responds to it before he officially makes the switch.

Plunkett also said Ohtani may go on a rehab assignment in the minors and still make a significant impact at the plate for the Dodgers early in the 2025 season.

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

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