Shohei Ohtani threw his first bullpen session in a month on Saturday, marking a significant step in his recovery as he prepares to return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The reigning National League MVP tossed over 20 pitches at Dodger Stadium after a session of long toss in the outfield. Ohtani also served as the leadoff designated hitter in the Dodgers’ series finale against the Detroit Tigers.
Ohtani hadn’t thrown off a mound since February 25, when he paused his pitching activities during spring training to focus on the regular season as a hitter. However, he has maintained regular flat-ground throwing throughout the month.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously speculated that Ohtani might make his pitching debut by May, but he emphasized on Saturday that there’s no set timeline for his return.
“It’s going to be a while,” Roberts said. “You start with the natural progression of a bullpen session, and then you mix in different pitches to face hitters again. I don’t think anyone has a specific timeline, but we’re still a ways away.”
Ohtani hasn’t pitched in a major league game since undergoing surgery on his right elbow in September 2023 during his final month with the Los Angeles Angels. He later had shoulder surgery in November after an incredible season where he became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, leading the Dodgers to a World Series title.
With Ohtani in the second year of his 10-year, $700 million contract, the Dodgers have time to manage his recovery carefully. He’s already shown strong performance as a hitter this season, with two home runs and a 1.286 OPS in his first four games.
The Dodgers’ rotation is currently deep, featuring newcomers Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki alongside Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Dustin May. However, given the team’s history of pitching injuries, Ohtani’s return will provide valuable depth and likely allow the Dodgers to implement a six-man rotation, as he won’t occupy a traditional roster spot as a pitcher.
“We’re still a very good team with him as a DH,” Roberts said. “We still want him to pitch. He wants to pitch, and I believe he can handle it. The key question is, ‘How much do we need him right now?’ His health is our top priority, and when the time comes for his full recovery, he’ll be back on the mound.”
