When can Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani resume pitching? That’s the question buzzing around both the fanbase and the clubhouse right now. Ohtani hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since August 23, 2023, due to an injury. After undergoing surgery on September 19, he played as a hitter throughout 2024 while recovering from an elbow ligament injury. Amidst a lineup plagued by injuries, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently gave a surprising update on Ohtani’s return to the mound.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been facing a wave of injuries, particularly in their pitching rotation. Key pitchers like Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tyler Glasnow are all sidelined. However, there’s good news—Shohei Ohtani threw a 50-pitch bullpen session last Saturday, signaling steady progress in his recovery.
With fans speculating about his return to the mound, Roberts shared a potential timeline. Now that Ohtani is set to face hitters for the first time since his surgery, Roberts remains optimistic. The two-way superstar initially planned to pitch during the Dodgers’ game against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
However, a late finish on Friday night caused a schedule adjustment, pushing his bullpen session on Sunday. When asked about a possible return date, Dave Roberts said, “I think the realistic expectation is after the break.”
Dave Roberts shared what he expects from Shohei Ohtani as he faces hitters tomorrow for the first time and when he might return to big-league action.
“I think the realistic expectation is after the break.”
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— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 25, 2025
Not to forget that Shohei Ohtani’s recovery has been relatively slower than expected. However, the Dodgers have taken all the precautions to ensure that he is ready for the mound, perfectly in shape. Dave Roberts said, “Probably speaking out of turn, but I just think, looking at the progression, that he’s going to be a starter and talking about the natural buildup and obviously being mindful of a conscious buildup, which we certainly are,” speaking further about the expected time of his return.
Post the 5-2 loss against the New York Mets, Dave Roberts said that Ohtani has been doing his simulated game for the two innings. And seeing his potential, they are going to build him as a starter who can pitch five to six innings. While expectations were at their peak about Ohtani returning to the mound early this season, going by the natural progression, Roberts feels, “Just don’t see it being before that.”
However, Roberts has some suggestions for Ohtani, which can make his return smooth and effective.
Dave Roberts remains vocal about his expectations for Shohei Ohtani
Although there’s no set timeline for Shohei Ohtani’s pitching debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, if rumors are to be believed, he may return in July. While this may suppress the hopes of many who expected him to return much sooner, Dave Roberts remains hopeful of his return. “A lot of it is going to be contingent on how he’s feeling and then what the next step is. So, I don’t think anyone knows how the next couple of months are going to go,” Dave Roberts said.
Speaking about his expectations from Ohtani with Foul Territory, Roberts feels that it is a big step for Ohtani to face the hitters after a long time. “I just want, I think for me, it’s just making sure that he comes out of it okay. I am sure it’s going to be a little bit extra. You know, it’s going to be mid-90s; it’s going to be four-seam, two-seam, and some splits. I am not sure if that’s going to be enough down here.” That’s something Roberts would prefer to leave to Ohtani and the training team. But for him, the important thing is whether Ohtani feels good while pitching or not.
Dave Roberts got a point, though! The Los Angeles Dodgers do not want to rush him to face the hitters. However, it is not far away that we witness him introducing the sliders to the batters and increasing his velocity while he is throwing the bullpen session. However, everything hinges on his ability to do so and the medical professionals who are closely monitoring him following the postseason injury.
Obviously, there will be a lot of anticipation among the fans. But let’s not forget that it is a big step towards getting to the mound and facing the hitters. So, once Shohei Ohtani is ready to take over the mound fully fit, he will be a massive threat for the hitters.
When do you think Shohei Ohtani can make his return to the mound?
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