Shohei Ohtani ramps up throwing, but isn’t close to pitching debut for the Dodgers. On Saturday, the reigning NL MVP completed his first bullpen session in a month, signaling a step forward in his recovery process. However, he still faces significant preparation before he can take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Since February 25, Ohtani had not thrown off a mound, opting to focus on his hitting as the regular season approached. Despite this, he maintained his throwing routine on flat ground throughout the month.
Earlier this year, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts speculated that Ohtani might make his pitching debut by May. However, he reiterated on Saturday that a definitive timeline remains elusive. “It’s going to be a while,” Roberts stated. “You start with the natural progression of a bullpen session, and then you have to mix in different pitches to face hitters again. I don’t have a timeline, and I don’t think anyone does, but we’re a ways away.”
The Dodgers enjoy the luxury of time with Ohtani, who is in the second year of his impressive 10-year, $700 million contract. In the early days of the new season, he has already hit two home runs among six hits, boasting a remarkable 1.286 OPS.
Currently, Los Angeles’ pitching rotation is bolstered by newcomers Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, who join Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Dustin May. This depth provides a cushion, especially given the team’s recent history of injuries among their starting pitchers.
Ohtani’s eventual return could pave the way for a six-man rotation, as he will not occupy a roster spot as a pitcher. “We’re still a very good club with him as a DH, obviously,” Roberts noted. “We still want him to pitch. He wants to pitch, and I believe he can handle it. The question is, ‘How much do we need him right now?’ His health is paramount, and whenever he reaches that full maturation, he’ll pitch for us.”
