The Los Angeles Dodgers are counting on Shohei Ohtani pitching during the 2025 season, but when that will become a reality remains open ended.
During the offseason, manager Dave Roberts suggested early May as the point when Ohtani would potentially join the Dodgers’ rotation. However, given the pause in his pitching progression during Spring Training, that no longer appears feasible.
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Ohtani continued to play catch from flat ground but didn’t get any work in off a mound until the Dodgers were back from the Tokyo Series. He’s since throw multiple bullpen sessions, with the latest coming Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.
According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said Ohtani’s latest bullpen included throwing a splitter for the first time since restarting his progression:
Shohei Ohtani threw a 26-pitch bullpen today. Mark Prior said he mixed in a couple splitters, too, the first time he’s done that since resuming his throwing program after spring training
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) April 5, 2025
Up until Saturday, Ohtani had been limited to throwing fastballs (two-seamer, four-seam, cutter) in his bullpens. That held true for the four bullpen sessions Ohtani complete at Camelback Ranch during Spring Training as well.
The right-hander is looking to pitch in a Major League game for the first time since the 2023 season. That year ended somewhat early for Ohtani, as he underwent a second career Tommy John surgery.
One change this season will see is Ohtani pitching out of the windup for the first time in his career. He began experimenting with the new delivery during Spring Training in pursuit of improving as a pitcher.
Shohei Ohtani supports wildfire relief efforts
During the April 2 game at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) used their share of proceeds from a 50/50 raffle to support families rebuilding after the devastating Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires.
The $39,050 donation was made on behalf of Ohtani.
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