Shohei Ohtani’s Return to Pitching Looms for Dodgers

‍ ⁤ ‌Updated June 13, ‌2025

Shohei Ohtani’s potential return ⁤to the mound is generating excitement as the ⁣Los Angeles Dodgers grapple with a series of pitching injuries.The⁣ team’s depleted pitching staff was evident in a recent game against the San Diego padres, where Matt Sauer pitched a career-high 111 pitches and utility player Enrique Hernandez recorded the final seven outs.

Despite the mounting pressure to expedite Ohtani’s ​return, the‌ Dodgers remain​ committed to a cautious approach, emphasizing his long-term ‍health.ohtani, who⁤ is participating in simulated games, recently threw 44 pitches and recorded‍ six strikeouts against minor leaguers. Manager Dave Roberts suggested Ohtani could rejoin​ the‍ rotation before the⁤ All-Star break.

Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president ‍of ⁢baseball operations, stressed‍ the​ importance ⁢of prioritizing Ohtani’s⁢ longevity. ⁢The team ⁢aims to ensure Ohtani‌ is in ⁣the best position⁣ to pitch effectively for the next nine years.

Ohtani’s journey back to pitching has ⁢faced setbacks.A torn labrum ​in ‌his left shoulder‍ during the World‌ Series required offseason surgery, impacting his throwing program. Unforeseen circumstances, such as extra-inning⁤ games and ​weather, have also caused delays.Before Ohtani can pitch in games,he needs to build up to around 70 pitches.

Max Muncy emphasized the need for Ohtani to be healthy above all else. He⁢ acknowledged the unprecedented nature of Ohtani’s two-way abilities, making it difficult to establish a definitive timeline for his ‍return.

Ohtani’s offensive​ prowess remains a ⁢vital asset for⁢ the Dodgers. Since ⁣2023, he leads the majors in home⁢ runs and ranks high in OPS, batting average, and stolen bases. His current season includes a .292 batting average, .386 on-base percentage, ⁤and .625‍ slugging ‌percentage, with⁤ a projected 54 home‍ runs.

Notably, Ohtani’s stolen⁢ base numbers have decreased recently, possibly⁣ coinciding with ‌the increased intensity of his pitching rehabilitation.‌ While Roberts​ couldn’t confirm‌ a direct⁢ link, the​ decline highlights the ⁤physical demands ‍of ​being⁣ a two-way ​player.

“Viewing⁤ it on a shorter-term ​horizon, it’s easy to want‍ to be aggressive‍ and push — I think both from him and from us,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.‍ “But we set out to view this as putting him in ⁤the best position to pitch over the next nine years and prioritizing longevity, ‍and this first year back, it’s really crucial⁢ for that long-term aspect to‍ not be too aggressive right now.”

Friedman acknowledged the challenges of managing Ohtani’s workload, emphasizing the need to balance building arm strength and overall endurance without negatively impacting his offensive performance.

Brandon McDaniel, ‌formerly the ⁣Dodgers’ strength and conditioning coach, noted Ohtani’s remarkable awareness of his body,⁤ comparing ‌it to⁤ having a “monitor to his engine.” This‌ self-awareness allows ⁢Ohtani to effectively guide his rehabilitation process.

The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been⁣ plagued by‌ injuries, with ‌several key starters ​sidelined.The⁢ team‌ has already used a league-high number of pitchers ⁤this season, ​placing significant strain on the bullpen.

Despite these challenges, Ohtani’s potential return offers a⁢ glimmer of ⁢hope. His simulated ‌games are ‌progressing, and he continues⁣ to contribute offensively, providing a glimpse of what’s to come.

“It’s fun to watch him‍ as he enjoys the game so⁣ much,” Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia said.”He loves baseball. And when ⁤you’re ​doing both, you have to love it the way he does.”

What’s next

Ohtani ‌will​ continue his simulated games, gradually increasing his pitch count. The Dodgers ​will monitor ‌his progress closely, balancing his ​desire to return with the need to protect ⁣his long-term health. The team⁢ hopes he can bolster their pitching ⁢rotation soon.