Dodgers provide surprising timeline for Shohei Ohtani's return to pitching

Dodgers' updated timeline for Shohei Ohtani pitching in games

As Shohei Ohtani continued to throw bullpen sessions late last year it sparked questions and speculation his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut would occur during the postseason. Some believed if the Dodgers played deep enough into October, Ohtani would become an option for them on the mound. The team certainly faced a need for pitching during somewhat of an improbable World Series run, but Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedma…

Dodgers provide surprising timeline for Shohei Ohtani's return to pitching

March 20, 2024; Seoul, SOUTH KOREA; Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani reacts after playing against the San Diego Padres during a MLB regular season Seoul Series game at Gocheok Sky Dome. Photo Credit: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports 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 th…

Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two-way star, continues to advance in his recovery to debut as a pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but according to manager Dave Roberts, it is still a couple of months to see him on the mound. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, Ohtani has limited himself to being a designated batter in his first season with the team, but his return to pitching is increasingly promising. Why do the Dodgers not want Shohe…