Dodgers Provide Update on Shohei Ohtani's Return to Pitching

The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Ohtani's progress has been slowed to give him a break as he recovers from a hybrid Tommy John surgery performed in September 2023 and offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder's labrum. Although Ohtani has not stopped throwing, the team is managing his workload to prevent any setbacks. "We just felt that to intensify the bullpens alongside of the intensity of the games wasn’t smart," Roberts explained, emphasizing a careful progression.

​Ohtani will not face hitters before the Dodgers' season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Japan. The team had initially targeted May for Ohtani's return to pitching, but that timeline is now uncertain. Roberts highlighted the need for flexibility, stating, "I just feel, and we all feel, that we’re just trying to make it a broad time to return. We just don’t know. And so I think that when he’s ready, when the process, the progression, as it’s going on, we’ll know. But I don’t want to put any kind of expectation on you guys, or Shohei." The Dodgers are focused on ensuring Ohtani's long-term health and success as they navigate his recovery.