The dual-threat has stepped up his throwing program and could return to the mound before May.
Shohei Ohtani is close to returning to the mound for the first time since September 2023, when he suffered a right elbow injury that required surgery. The Japanese star spent his first year with the Dodgers rehabbing while serving as the team’s designated hitter during the regular season, a campaign in which he became the first player in MLB history to surpass 50 stolen bases and 50 home runs in a single season.
The National League MVP is expected to rejoin the Dodgers’ starting rotation this season, though manager Dave Roberts anticipates his return won’t happen until May. During Spring Training at Camelback Ranch, Ohtani’s pitch velocity reached a new high as he intensified his recovery program—an encouraging sign for the team, as he appears to have overcome any lingering discomfort.
Looks like Shohei Ohtani is already in Arizona and throwing pic.twitter.com/MSsDDTjHIJ
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) February 3, 2025
Shohei Ohtani is close to returning
The two-way sensation threw his third bullpen session of Spring Training on Saturday, reaching 95 mph on his fastball. He also increased his pitch count to 25, throwing only two-seam and four-seam fastballs along with cutters, according to the Orange County Register.
“A really positive day for Shohei,” Roberts said. “Really good for him.”
Full screenDave Roberts #30 looks at Shohei Ohtani #17 releases. Jeremy Chen/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Jeremy Chen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)JEREMY CHENAFP
In his previous sessions, Ohtani had only thrown between 14 and 21 pitches, making this increase a promising development for both him and the Dodgers as Opening Day approaches. The Japanese ace is one of MLB’s premier pitchers, posting a career 3.01 ERA over five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. Since making his debut in 2018, he has compiled a 38-19 record, 608 strikeouts, and 173 earned runs allowed.
