Shohei Ohtani’s recovery timeline with the Los Angeles Dodgers progressed much faster than initially planned as he took the mound for the Dodgers on Monday, defying earlier forecasts. Originally expected to resume pitching only after the All-Star break, with a projected return no sooner than mid-July, Ohtani’s appearance against the San Diego Padres came as a surprise to many.
The Dodgers and their staff had initially ruled out an early comeback, given the cautious approach typically taken for pitchers returning from injury. This accelerated return stemmed from the unique circumstances surrounding Ohtani’s role as a two-way player and the team’s need to keep his batting contributions in the lineup while he regained pitching form.
Reasons Behind Dodgers’ Decision to Speed Up Ohtani’s Rehab
Unlike a standard rehab path that would include minor league starts or practicing at the team’s Arizona facility, Ohtani’s situation required a different approach. The Dodgers could not afford to lose his batting presence while he pitched in the minors. This restriction led to Ohtani moving directly from simulated games to regular Major League action quicker than anticipated.
According to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, the decision was heavily influenced by mutual trust between Ohtani and the Dodgers staff. They believed in Ohtani’s self-awareness regarding his physical condition and ability to manage his body’s limits during recovery.
“They feel like he’s so attunely aware of what his body requires and what he needs on a given day, and he’s the only one who has ever done this, that there’s a trust there,”
—Alden Gonzalez, ESPN analyst
“If Shohei Ohtani ultimately told them, ‘Look, these sim games are really taxing on my body. I’d rather just do it in a Major League game,’ I think they trust him to do it responsibly.”
—Alden Gonzalez, ESPN analyst
Dodgers’ Original Plan and Adjustments During Ohtani’s Recovery
Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior outlined the prior plan to have Ohtani participate in simulated games where he would build up to 60 to 70 pitches gradually before re-entering official games. Before Monday’s outing, Ohtani threw only 44 pitches in his latest simulated session, which was below the intended threshold.
Despite this, the coaching staff maintained their conservative stance on rushing his return, emphasizing the need for Ohtani to develop endurance and strengthen the muscles surrounding his elbow to ensure long-term effectiveness.
“The Dodgers were adamant, from their perspective, that they didn’t want to rush this, regardless of how many pitchers were injured. They were going to just try to absorb this stretch and try to get through it until Blake Snell comes back, until Tyler Glasnow comes back,”
—Alden Gonzalez, ESPN analyst
“They felt like it was so important for his two-way future, for his chances of being an effective pitcher for years hereafter – not just in this one – that he built up enough endurance, that he strengthened the muscles around his elbow.”
—Alden Gonzalez, ESPN analyst
Challenges With the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff and Ohtani’s Role
The Dodgers face ongoing difficulties managing their pitching rotation due to multiple injuries sidelining key starters, resulting in heavy reliance on relief pitchers who now lead the majors in innings pitched. This scenario is unsustainable and places added pressure on the team’s roster management.
However, Gonzalez emphasized that though the team’s bullpen strain is significant, it was not the deciding factor in Ohtani’s return schedule. Instead, Ohtani himself pushed for the earlier comeback, demonstrating personal initiative and confidence in managing his workload responsibly.
“They keep having to do these bullpen games. Their relievers lead the majors in innings. This is not sustainable, but I don’t know that they wanted that to guide the Ohtani part of it,”
—Alden Gonzalez, ESPN analyst
“I think it was Shohei Ohtani sort of driving this himself.”
—Alden Gonzalez, ESPN analyst
Impact of Ohtani’s Early Return on Dodgers’ Season Outlook
Shohei Ohtani’s expedited return to pitching holds significant implications for the Dodgers’ campaign. As a rare two-way player, his contributions both on the mound and at the plate provide immense value, especially during this period of heightened pitching injuries. His presence could alleviate pressure on the fatigued bullpen and stabilize the starting rotation.
Looking ahead, maintaining Ohtani’s health and endurance will be critical for the Dodgers’ aspirations. His ability to pitch effectively over the long term depends on the team balancing recovery with the demanding dual role he plays. The trust placed in Ohtani’s judgment suggests a collaborative approach moving forward, with his personal insight driving rehabilitation decisions alongside the coaching staff’s guidance.