Ohtani completes a second bullpen session in his return to the mound with the Dodgers

GLENDALE, Ariz. — On Tuesday, Shohei Ohtani conducted his second bullpen session of this spring training as he prepares for a return to the pitcher’s mound with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His initial bullpen session took place on Saturday, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation.

Ohtani is aiming to return to the mound for the first time since August 23, 2023, when he was with the Los Angeles Angels. Following elbow surgery, the 30-year-old right-hander was restricted to a hitting role last season while competing for the Dodgers. Despite this limitation, Ohtani managed to secure his third MVP title, making history as the inaugural player to reach the coveted 50/50 club, hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases, all contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series triumph.

Apart from his recovery from elbow surgery, Ohtani is also healing from a partial labrum tear in his left shoulder, an injury sustained while sliding into second base during the World Series.

In his five-year MLB career, Ohtani has amassed a record of 38 wins against 19 losses, alongside an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 3.01, complemented by 608 strikeouts over 481 2/3 innings pitched. Before his injury in 2023, he held a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts across 132 innings of work.