Ohtani Bullpen: Dodgers Pitching Return Update
- Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani continues to progress toward his first pitching appearance since 2023, holding a bullpen session Saturday before the Dodgers hosted the New...
- Ohtani threw 29 pitches over two simulated innings against Single-A rancho Cucamonga affiliate players.
- The 30-year-old MLB star hasn't pitched in a regular season game since Aug.
Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound! In a major step forward, the Dodgers‘ star threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium, facing Single-A Rancho Cucamonga hitters. This marks Ohtani’s first bullpen since joining the team and a key moment in his recovery from 2023 elbow surgery. The two-way player, who also hit two home runs, continues his diligent rehab, with the club closely monitoring his progress. This marks a meaningful development for the Dodgers and their fans. Ohtani’s return to the rotation remains uncertain, as the team carefully evaluates his readiness; this update is brought to you and covered by News Directory 3. Ohtani is batting .294 with 22 home runs. Discover what’s next for the MLB sensation and the Dodgers’ pitching plans.
Shohei Ohtani Throws Bullpen Session as Rehab Continues
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani continues to progress toward his first pitching appearance since 2023, holding a bullpen session Saturday before the Dodgers hosted the New York Yankees.
Ohtani threw 29 pitches over two simulated innings against Single-A rancho Cucamonga affiliate players. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Ohtani reported feeling good afterward. This marked Ohtani’s first bullpen session off the dodger Stadium mound since joining the team.
The 30-year-old MLB star hasn’t pitched in a regular season game since Aug. 23, 2023, before undergoing elbow surgery. He has been rehabbing while serving as the Dodgers’ designated hitter.
Prior to Saturday’s session, Ohtani faced hitters in live batting practice May 25. Pitching coach Mark Prior noted Ohtani reached 97 mph during that session.
Ohtani’s bullpen session followed a game where he hit two home runs in a victory against the Yankees. This season, he is batting .294 with 22 home runs and 11 stolen bases, contributing an estimated 3.0 Wins Above Replacement.
The Dodgers have not set a firm return date for Ohtani to rejoin the starting rotation. Ohtani has said that offseason shoulder surgery impacted his schedule.
Throughout his career, Shohei Ohtani has a 3.01 ERA and a 3.51 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 481 innings.He finished fourth in American League Cy Young Award voting in 2022.
What’s next
Ohtani will likely have additional bullpen sessions and simulated games before a decision is made about his return to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation. The team will evaluate his progress and determine the best course of action for his long-term health and performance as a two-way star.