Shohei Ohtani, the generational talent and MLB star, is poised to make his much-anticipated return to the mound with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signaling the resumption of his remarkable two-way role as both designated hitter and pitcher. While Ohtani dazzled fans during the 2024 season with his offensive powers, smashing 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases – outcomes unprecedented for any player – he was simultaneously coping with recovery from significant injuries. Following surgeries on his right elbow and left shoulder, Ohtani aims to reclaim his place on the pitching roster by May 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the team’s intention to ease Ohtani back onto the mound rather than risk exacerbation of his previous injuries. According to Roberts, "We don't plan on letting Shohei Ohtani pitch until May of next season." This cautious timeline responds to the importance of preserving Ohtani’s health throughout the long season, ensuring he remains effective when games matter as the playoffs approach.
Ohtani’s past performances have solidified his status as one of the most extraordinary talents the sport has seen. Before his surgeries, he completed the 2023 season with impressive stats, including a 3.14 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 132 innings, which contributed to his second unanimous American League MVP award. His best pitching season came in 2022, where he boasted 219 strikeouts and achieved the sixth-best ERA and strikeout totals across the league.
Despite his impressive stats, Ohtani did not take the mound during the 2024 season. Following his elbow surgery due to UCL damage, he sat out the pitching aspect of his game to focus solely on rehabilitation. While speculation about his potential appearances on the mound circled throughout the year, the Dodgers remained committed to their conservative approach, fully intending to protect one of the sport’s most significant talents. The baseball community eagerly anticipates his pitching debut, which will likely occur during the month of May, as Roberts continues to gain insight from both doctors and trainers.
Roberts emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting, "I'll persuade him with the help of doctors and trainers": this reflects the team’s broader ambition to balance Ohtani’s desires with the necessity for caution. His potential return date is particularly strategic; should he debut on the mound mid-month, it coincides with games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with possible dates for his first appearance coming on May 11 or May 21. This timing would allow for easier management of his subsequent appearances as the team seeks to maximize both his contributions to batting and pitching.
Ohtani’s absence from the mound hasn’t diminished his value to the Dodgers. The team secured its eighth World Series title during his first year with the Dodgers, rendering him not just instrumental but also integral to their successes. His record-setting offensive prowess has kept fans and analysts alike discussing the potential of seeing him at full strength across both capacities.
The strategy surrounding Ohtani reflects the team’s awareness of the larger impacts of injuries and the urgency of ensuring he stays on track for the playoff push come September and October. Davis Roberts communicated this plan clearly: the Dodgers aim to keep Ohtani pitching this season without enforcing unwarranted limits or next-day pressures on his performance, especially during the early months when wears and tears can take significant tolls.
This careful orchestration of Ohtani's comeback is generating significant excitement among fans, who eagerly await his return to the mound. His charisma and talent promise electrifying moments, and his pivotal role as both designated hitter and pitcher will be integral not just to the Dodgers, but to the larger MLB narrative as well. The baseball world stands ready for Ohtani to remind them why he is hailed as the two-way star of the game.
While the Dodgers prepare for their 2025 season opener on March 18, 2025, they will prioritize Ohtani’s health, aiming to keep him on track for May. The anticipation for his debut resonates beyond just Los Angeles fans, highlighting the global impact Ohtani has had. This dual prospect sets up the stage for his storyline to continue, and when he finally steps back on the mound, it promises to be not just significant for the Dodgers but momentous for all of Major League Baseball.