Shohei Ohtani expects to throw his first bullpen this weekend as he prepares for a comeback to the mound after a season-long hiatus due to elbow surgery.
The reigning National League MVP has not pitched in a Major League game since August 23, 2023, while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. Following elbow surgery on September 19, he was limited to a hitting role during his initial season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.
Ohtani recently threw off flat ground on Wednesday, expressing his enthusiasm about returning to the pitching mound.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani will not pitch in Tokyo for the season opener against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19. However, the manager remains optimistic that the pitcher’s return to the mound will happen “sooner than later.”
[Related: Shohei Ohtani looks ‘really strong,’ could make pitching return in May for Dodgers]
During his flat ground workouts, Ohtani mentioned that he has been utilizing his full range of pitches and even incorporated his sweeper for the first time on Wednesday.
“I’m very satisfied overall with my throwing,” Ohtani stated. “I was able to throw with pretty good intensity. It was a little cold today, but I managed to get my work done.”
In addition to his elbow recovery, Ohtani is also healing from a partially torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, an injury acquired while sliding into second base during the World Series. The 30-year-old has been able to take swings during spring workouts, although he currently experiences a “limited range of motion.”
“I do feel like there’s some discomfort that I have to overcome,” Ohtani acknowledged. “It’s not really debilitating. I feel pretty good, almost getting to where I want it to be.”
“I’ll let the team dictate that,” he added. “I do want to play as many games as possible, but if the team feels I need a break, I’ll follow that.”
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