The Los Angeles Dodgers have planned for Shohei Ohtani to resume pitching during the 2025 season, but the exact timing of his return has shifted repeatedly. Although initial expectations suggested he might debut in May, this timeline proved unrealistic once Ohtani paused his throwing progress during Spring Training ahead of the Tokyo Series. After the team returned to the United States, Ohtani gradually resumed his pitching regimen and is now actively facing batters as he nears his mound return.

Organization Focuses on Long-Term Success Over Immediate Return

Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, outlined the team’s cautious approach during an ESPN interview. The strategy focuses on Ohtani’s health and sustained performance over the duration of his contract instead of rushing him back for short-term gain. Friedman explained the challenge of balancing eagerness from both Ohtani and the team with the need for patience.

“Viewing it on a shorter-term horizon, it’s easy to want to be aggressive and push — I think both from him and from us,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “But we set out to view this as putting him in the best position to pitch over the next nine years and prioritizing longevity, and this first year back, it’s really important for that long-term aspect to not be too aggressive right now.”

Injury Setbacks Impact Ohtani’s Pitching Timeline

Ohtani started his throwing program the previous year; however, repeated injuries to Dodgers pitchers created public speculation he might take the mound late in 2024, potentially during the postseason. The Dodgers consistently downplayed those expectations and officially ruled out his postseason pitching in 2024. A significant factor delaying his return was a subluxation of his left shoulder sustained during the World Series, which was accompanied by a torn labrum requiring surgery during the offseason.

Skipping Minor League Rehab, Nearing MLB Return

Recently, Ohtani has made progress in his rehab by facing batters three times and throwing a total of 44 pitches over three innings in a workout against Dodgers Minor League players at Petco Park on Tuesday. Rather than undertaking a traditional rehab stint with a Minor League affiliate, Ohtani will continue his current rehab approach. Manager Dave Roberts has expressed optimism that Ohtani could pitch in a Major League game before the All-Star break, signaling a potentially significant milestone in his recovery.

Implications for Ohtani’s Future and Dodgers’ Strategy

This measured pace reflects the Dodgers’ commitment to preserving Shohei Ohtani’s pitching longevity, which they view as critical to his success and value over the years ahead. By carefully managing his workload and prioritizing sustained health, the organization aims to maximize the impact of his unique two-way talent. As Ohtani’s return approaches, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor how this cautious approach affects both his individual performance and the Dodgers’ competitive potential.