Shohei Ohtani’s Return to the Mound: Dodgers’ Plan for 2025 Season
Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s most dynamic two-way superstar, is well on his way back to the pitcher’s mound. Following Tommy John surgery in 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers have proceeded with caution with his rehabilitation. Although he shone at the plate in 2024, fans want to know when he will return to the mound. Will Ohtani take the mound again in 2025? Let’s examine what we currently know.
Shohei Ohtani’s Road to Recovery
Why Was Ohtani Shut Down from Pitching?
During the 2023 MLB season with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Consequently, the Dodgers signed him as a designated hitter for the 2024 season while he focused on rehabilitation.
How Has His Recovery Progressed?
- Ohtani’s rehab has been methodical, with careful load management.
- As of Feb. 25, 2025, he still hadn’t thrown bullpen sessions.
- The medical team for the Dodgers has cautioned against rushing and making setbacks worse.
Dodgers’ Plan to Have Shohei Ohtani Return to the Mound
When Will Shohei Ohtani Pitch Next?
At first, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned Ohtani potentially returning to the mound by May 2025. Nevertheless, since he still hasn’t finished bullpen sessions, a new schedule might appear based on the developments of the season.
Timeline He Is Projected to Follow
- March 27, 2025 – Home Opener for Dodgers (Ohtani as DH only).
- April 2025 – More bullpen work and simulated games.
- May 2025 – Possible return to Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
How Will the Dodgers Use His Role?
The Dodgers will gradually bring Ohtani back with controlled innings and restricted pitch counts before they increase his workload.
Dodgers’ Current Rotation Without Ohtani
With Ohtani not yet available as a pitcher, the Dodgers have solid depth:
| Pitcher | Role in Rotation |
|---|---|
| Yoshinobu Yamamoto | Ace Starter |
| Blake Snell | Key Starter |
| Tyler Glasnow | Mid-Rotation Arm |
| Roki Sasaki | Young Star |
| Dustin May | Returning from Injury |
When healthy, Ohtani is one of the best pitchers in the league. In 2023, he posted impressive numbers:
- 10-5 record
- 3.14 ERA
- 1.06 WHIP
- 167 strikeouts over 132 innings
Can Ohtani Regain His 2023 Form?
If everything goes well in his recovery, Ohtani may come back as an ace pitcher. With his velocity, command, and off-speed, he is a nightmare to hit for opposing batters.
What’s Next for Shohei Ohtani?
Will He Remain a Two-Way Player?
Yes! The Dodgers are still committed to employing his special set of skills. Even while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, he was excellent as a hitter in 2024, with his power and contact skills.
Potential Challenges Ahead
- Avoiding re-injury with a controlled workload.
- Managing both hitting and pitching responsibilities effectively.
- Adapting to the demands of a full-time two-way role again.
FAQs
Q1. When will Shohei Ohtani start pitching in 2025?
Ans: The Dodgers initially aimed for May 2025, but his return will depend on rehab progress and bullpen sessions.
Q2. How was Ohtani’s performance as a pitcher before surgery?
Ans: In 2023, he had a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts, showing his mastery on the mound.
Q 3. Will Ohtani remain a designated hitter in 2025?
Ans: Yes, he will remain a DH while slowly bringing pitching back into the mix.
Q4. Who replaces Ohtani in the Dodgers’ rotation?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow head the rotation in his stead.
Q5. Will May Ohtani experience setbacks in his return to pitching?
Possibly. Tommy John’s recovery varies, and the Dodgers will be cautious to prevent reinjury.
Q6. How important is Ohtani’s return for the Dodgers?
His return will provide a massive boost, strengthening both their offense and pitching depth.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s journey back to pitching is one of the most exciting storylines in MLB. While his return isn’t set in stone, all signs point toward a cautious yet optimistic approach. If he successfully resumes pitching, the Dodgers will have a two-way superstar ready to dominate both the mound and the batter’s box in 2025. Stay tuned for further updates!
