GLENDALE, Ariz. — Superstar Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers took a significant step in his recovery by participating in his first bullpen session of spring training on Saturday. This marks a potential return to pitching for Ohtani, who has not been on the mound since August 23, 2023, when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels. Following a procedure on his elbow, Ohtani had to focus solely on his hitting duties in his inaugural season with the Dodgers in 2024.
Previously, Ohtani had engaged in flat ground throwing earlier in the week, showcasing his eagerness to get back on the pitcher’s mound. However, the Dodgers have confirmed that he will not be available to pitch in their upcoming season-opening games against the Chicago Cubs, scheduled for March 18 and 19 in Tokyo, which is approximately 280 miles from his birthplace in Japan.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism regarding Ohtani’s recovery, indicating that he hopes the star athlete will be cleared for pitching “sooner than later.” During practice, the 30-year-old pitcher also mentioned that he introduced a sweeper pitch into his repertoire for the first time, integrating it successfully with his other pitches.
In addition to his elbow recovery, Ohtani is also healing from a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury he sustained after sliding into second base during the World Series. He has been able to participate in batting workouts, though he admitted that his mobility is currently restricted.
Last season, Ohtani achieved impressive milestones by playing 159 out of 162 games as a designated hitter. He won his third MVP award, his first in the National League, and made history by joining the elite 50/50 club with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. His outstanding performance led him to be honored as The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, matching the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan. Ohtani now trails only Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James, who have each won the accolade four times.
