Ohtani conducts a second bullpen workout as he prepares to return to the mound for the Dodgers

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani conducted his second bullpen practice of the spring training season on Tuesday, marking a significant step in his journey back to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His first bullpen session took place just days earlier on Saturday.

Ohtani is aiming to take the mound this year for the first time since August 23, 2023, when he was still a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

Last season saw Ohtani sidelined from pitching due to an elbow surgery that limited his participation to solely batting with the Dodgers.

Despite the setbacks, the 30-year-old right-hander achieved remarkable success, securing his third MVP title and becoming the first player to reach the prestigious 50/50 club, finishing the season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, while also helping his team capture the World Series title.

In addition to his elbow recovery, Ohtani is also healing from a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury he sustained while sliding into second base during the World Series.

Throughout his five-year Major League Baseball career, Ohtani has recorded an impressive pitching record of 38 wins and 19 losses, with a 3.01 ERA, accumulating 608 strikeouts over 481 and two-thirds innings pitched.

Prior to his injury in 2023, he had a solid record of 10 wins and 5 losses, alongside a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts across 132 innings.