It’s been nearly two years since Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani last pitched in a live game scenario, but as his rehab progresses, a new update suggests his return to the mound could come sooner than expected.
According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, there’s a “north of zero” chance Ohtani could pitch before the All-Star Break.
The entire world knows about Ohtani’s two-way prowess as one of the best hitters and pitchers in the sport, but the Japanese star hasn’t pitched in a quite some time. His last start came on August 23, 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels against the Cincinnati Reds. During that contest, Ohtani suffered an elbow injury which required Tommy John surgery.
Of course, Ohtani hasn’t been gone from the MLB spotlight like most pitchers are after such a procedure. He’s served as a designated hitter for the Dodgers ever since joining the team last year and is currently slashing .291/.387/.628 with 23 home runs. That success is arguably even more impressive given the usually-grueling rehab process that comes with Tommy John surgery — something Ohtani is well-acquainted with after having a similar procedure in 2018.
Ohtani has continued ramping up his activity level from the mound and threw 44 pitches in three simulated innings on Tuesday. His status will be one to monitor over the coming weeks, especially since he was previously expected to return to pitching sometime after the All-Star Break, with the All-Star Game scheduled for July 15.
Whenever he does return, the multi-time MVP’s presence as a rotation option or even a spot starter for the Dodgers should present a major weapon to be unleashed. The team’s pitching staff has been rocked by injuries this season, and Ohtani’s ability speaks for itself with a career 3.01 ERA and 1.08 WHIP.
