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Shohei Ohtani Nears Mound Return as Dodgers Prepare for Major Comeback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alvin Garcia | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Shohei Ohtani is nearing a significant step in his return to the mound.

According to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session in weeks this Saturday, as Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reported. This is a key moment in his long-awaited pitching progression.

Ohtani hasn’t pitched in a game since August 2023, when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels. A second UCL surgery in the offseason had kept him sidelined from throwing, limiting his 2024 role to designated hitter.

Despite that, Ohtani still led the Dodgers to a World Series title last season with a historic offensive campaign, ultimately earning the NL MVP honors. Now, the Dodgers may finally get to see the full two-way version of their superstar.

Ohtani’s return to pitching was delayed earlier this spring to keep him fresh for the season-opening series in Tokyo, where he played exclusively as a DH. However, Roberts and the team doctors believe the timing is right to ramp up his throwing activity again.

Since joining MLB in 2018, Ohtani has compiled a 3.01 ERA, a 38-19 record, and a 1.082 WHIP across 74 career starts. His electric stuff — including a high-90s fastball and devastating splitter — made him one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball when healthy.

The Dodgers are being cautious, especially after Ohtani also underwent surgery for a torn labrum suffered during the 2024 World Series. But they know the upside is immense.

Once cleared to pitch again, Ohtani will join a loaded rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki. It’s a dream scenario for LA that could push them into dynasty territory if Ohtani returns to form.

For now, all eyes are on that first bullpen session — and the countdown to his return as a two-way phenom begins.

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

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