GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani continues to demonstrate the greatness that he brings to the game of baseball as he showcases what he can do on the mound and in the batter's box. Meanwhile, Dustin May is vying for the fifth spot in the rotation by making his Cactus League debut on Sunday.
On Saturday, Ohtani had his third bullpen session of the spring, where he threw 25 pitches. This time, he showcased more than just his four-seam fastball, testing out his cutter as well, and he looked great doing it. There have been no setbacks as Ohtani continues to rehabilitate his elbow and shoulder.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 23, 2025
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that Ohtani reached 95 mph during his 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, incorporating cutters into his array of pitches. Roberts described this as “a big step” for Ohtani as he prepares to become the two-way player the Dodgers have always envisioned.
As Ohtani recovers from shoulder surgery this offseason, he faced live pitching for the first time on Sunday. During his first session, he saw 32 pitches and made contact three times, putting the ball in play. Although he didn't hit any home runs, his swing looked intact as he continues his rehabilitation.
Ohtani is expected to make his debut in the Cactus League sometime next week, according to Roberts.
Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell will make their Cactus League debuts on Monday and Tuesday. Both pitchers will participate in the Tokyo exhibition games leading up to the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs.
May made his 2025 Cactus League debut, pitching for one inning. He threw 15 pitches, achieved eight strikes, allowed an infield single, and recorded one strikeout. This was his first game since May 17, 2023. During the outing, May's fastball ranged from 94 to 95 mph and exhibited significant movement on his sinker. The excitement in the clubhouse is extremely high, as Roberts mentioned that this could be May’s breakout season if he stays healthy.
"A huge, huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” May said. “It was really, really heavy. I'm alive. I'm glad I'm here. Just a huge excitement, like a breath of fresh air. Like a new beginning, kind of."
Incase anyone missed it….. IM BACK😁 pic.twitter.com/2OcQuJ5kq9
— Dustin May (@d_maydabeast) February 23, 2025
May experienced a life-threatening incident during the previous season while he was on the verge of returning to the Dodgers. He shared that he tore his esophagus after eating a salad during a dinner outing with his wife and friends. Following the injury, May was hospitalized for 11 days and underwent emergency surgery.
"I was very close to getting back when I tore my esophagus,” May said. “I was in a really, really great spot. It really sucked when it happened. I'm back to where I was then. I'm happy.”
May recounted an incident where he believed he was simply enjoying a normal salad for dinner. However, after drinking water, he suddenly felt a burning sensation throughout his body. Around midnight, he was rushed into surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. The procedure was completed around seven in the morning and he stayed in the hospital for an additional 11 days before being discharged.
“The salad just got lodged in my throat a certain way. Instead of going down, it went out,” May said. “I would have been six feet under that night.”