GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 11: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws during workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 11, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 11: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws during workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 11, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Dodgers Spring Training Video: Shohei Ohtani’s First Bullpen Session

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Matthew Moreno | Last updated Feb 15, 2025 12:55 PM ET

While Shohei Ohtani is entering a second season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team is poised to get their first look at his true two-way potential.

Ohtani was limited to only filling a role as the Dodgers’ designated hitter in 2024, which he did in record-setting fashion by becoming the first player in MLB history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in one season. All the while he steadily navigated a throwing program as part of the rehab process from a right elbow surgery performed in September 2023.

Needing surgery in the offseason to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder delayed Ohtani a bit, but he’s since resumed throwing.

Ohtani crossed another item off the checklist Saturday by throwing his first bullpen session of Spring Training.

Local DH Shohei Ohtani throws his first bullpen session of spring. pic.twitter.com/rlmce9v41Y

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 15, 2025

https://t.co/HnjaQJaCVn pic.twitter.com/rN3vFfh4Qu

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) February 15, 2025

Shohei Ohtani’s first bullpen at Camelback Ranch. A huge crowd is here to watch. pic.twitter.com/1f87x3WnMg

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) February 15, 2025

The bullpen session is a notable step forward for Ohtani, even if he admittedly did not plan to throw at full intensity. That presumably will come in ensuing work on the mound.

Assuming there are not any setbacks, Ohtani would then advance to facing batters at some point this spring. The Dodgers are not planning to have him pitch in any Cactus League games or go on a rehab assignment before being added to the starting rotation.

When will Shohei Ohtani pitch?

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has maintained May as being the rough timeline for Ohtani to pitch in a game. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the team will rely on a five-man starting rotation and only expand to six once Ohtani is prepared to join the group.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

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