The Los Angeles Dodgers had always made it clear that Shohei Ohtani would not be ready to return as a pitcher for the start of the 2025 MLB season. At this point, some might start to wonder whether that return might come closer to the end of the season instead.
In an appearance on “The Jim Rome Show” Thursday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a somewhat surprising update on Ohtani’s return to the mound. Roberts said Ohtani has looked good in his bullpens, but that it might be months before he pitches in a game.
“He’s got another light bullpen today. He’s got a full one Saturday. Hopefully soon, he’s going to start facing some hitters,” Roberts said. “Time of return, we’re still a couple months away. I know that’s still vague, but we’re just trying to get to the next step and see where we’re at.”
When will we see Shohei on the mound in Dodger Blue?
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) April 17, 2025
Dave Roberts gives a timeline on Ohtani's progress toward his return to pitching. pic.twitter.com/Jvlmsl6P8i
Roberts did make it clear that the Dodgers still fully anticipate Ohtani pitching for the team this season.
Ohtani underwent UCL surgery in August of 2023. The timing of that procedure led many to think that he might be back on the mound in the first part of 2025. However, the Dodgers are determined to be very careful with their two-way superstar. Their goal is to have Ohtani healthy to pitch in the playoffs, which means they could theoretically not throw him until August or September and still have him ready for the postseason.
Ohtani’s hitting has not suffered, as he is hitting .288 with six home runs in 20 games so far this season entering play Thursday. The Dodgers will not want to jeopardize his ability to keep doing that, which means we might not see him pitching until later than we initially hoped.
