Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani's progress on mound has Dodgers changing comeback tune

By Kevin Henry | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 8:19 AM ET

Riddled by injuries so far this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation could be getting an infusion of Shohei Ohtani sooner than expected.

Ohtani, who underwent Tommy John surgery after making his last regular-season start for the Los Angeles Angels on August 23, 2023, threw three simulated innings on Tuesday in another step toward returning to the mound.

The simulated outing, happening in San Diego before the Dodgers and Padres met in the second game of a clash between National League West rivals, seemed to impress manager Dave Roberts, pitching coach Mark Prior and other members of the Dodgers organization.

Facing live minor league batters, Ohtani recorded six strikeouts in his 44-pitch workout. He allowed one hit and one walk while also uncorking a wild pitch.

Dave Roberts said the chances are “north of zero” that Shohei Ohtani could be back sooner than the post-All-Star break timeline originally anticipated. Both Roberts and Mark Prior noted how good Ohtani looked over his three simulated innings today.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 10, 2025

The statement was a big change from a May 29 statement from Roberts when he told David Vassegh of AM 570 in Los Angeles that, "I can safely say he won't pitch for us until after the All-Star break."

While "north of zero" may still not be an overwhelming amount of confidence in Ohtani's pitching debut coming before MLB's All-Star Game in Atlanta on July 15, even the slightest chance that the three-time Most Valuable Player could appear is an important step in Ohtani's return.

Los Angeles could use the boost as the Dodgers currently have eight starting pitchers on the injured list, including Tony Gonsolin, who landed on the IL with right elbow discomfort.

Tuesday's performance was the first time that Ohtani had pitched more than two innings. It was also his first since May 31 when he threw a pair of innings.

While Ohtani has yet to pitch this season, he is still doing plenty to help the Dodgers win. The 30-year-old four-time All-Star entered Tuesday slashing .291/.387/.628 with an OPS+ of 184. His 23 home runs led the National League.

Kevin Henry

A member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), Kevin Henry has been covering MLB and MiLB for nearly two decades. Those assignments have included All-Star Games and the MLB postseason, including the World Series. Based in the Denver area, Kevin calls Coors Field his home base, but travels throughout North America during the season to discover the best stories possible

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