SAN DIEGO — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Shohei Ohtani’s latest pitching session was “impressive,” fueling optimism that the two-way superstar could return to the mound before the All-Star break.
Ohtani threw 44 pitches during a live batting practice session at Dodger Stadium earlier this week, facing hitters as part of his rehab from a second Tommy John surgery. Roberts said Ohtani’s fastball had life, and the right-hander recorded multiple strikeouts during the outing.
“He looked good,” Roberts said. “It was a really encouraging step.”
The Dodgers have not put a firm timeline on Ohtani’s return to game action as a pitcher, but Roberts acknowledged that the chances of him taking the mound before mid-July are “north of zero.” The team is continuing to monitor his progress while balancing caution with the rotation’s current needs.
Los Angeles has been hit hard by injuries to its pitching staff this season, with key starters like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell all missing time. Ohtani’s return to the mound would provide a significant boost, though he has continued to contribute as a designated hitter, entering Tuesday with 17 home runs and a .318 batting average.
The 29-year-old Ohtani last pitched in a game on Aug. 23, 2023, before undergoing elbow surgery that ended his season on the mound. He signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers in December, with the understanding that he would not pitch in 2024 — a timeline that now appears more flexible.
“We’re not putting any pressure on him,” Roberts said. “But if the progression continues and he feels good, we’ll definitely keep the door open.”
Ohtani is expected to continue throwing bullpens and facing live hitters in the coming weeks.