What Happened
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, is set to make his long-awaited return to the mound on June 16, 2025, against the San Diego Padres. This marks his first pitching appearance in a major league game since undergoing a second major elbow ligament reconstruction in September 2023. The Dodgers organization has approached Ohtani’s rehabilitation with caution, emphasizing a gradual return to ensure his health and longevity as both a pitcher and a hitter.
Ohtani’s return comes after a series of successful simulated games, where he demonstrated his readiness by throwing 44 pitches over three innings against minor league hitters. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani would start as an opener, likely pitching just one inning to begin his buildup. This strategy allows the Dodgers to utilize Ohtani’s talents while managing his workload, especially given the team’s current struggles with injuries among their pitching staff.
Key Details
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Injury Background: Ohtani underwent surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament in September 2023, which sidelined him for nearly two years. His recovery process has been closely monitored by the Dodgers, who have been cautious about his return to pitching.
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Recent Performance: In the lead-up to his return, Ohtani participated in simulated games and showed promising results, including hitting 97 mph during practice. His pitching sessions have reportedly received positive feedback from Dodgers coaches, indicating he is ready for competitive play.
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Game Strategy: Ohtani will serve as an opener, which is a strategy where a relief pitcher starts the game instead of a traditional starting pitcher. This allows him to pitch for a limited time while still contributing as a designated hitter for the remainder of the game, thanks to the “Ohtani rule” implemented in 2022.
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Team Context: The Dodgers are currently dealing with a significant number of injuries, with 14 pitchers on the injured list. Ohtani’s return is seen as a much-needed boost to the team’s pitching depth.
Multiple Perspectives
The decision to allow Ohtani to pitch again has generated various opinions. Some analysts argue that the Dodgers are taking a calculated risk by bringing him back earlier than initially planned, given the potential for re-injury. For instance, Ohtani himself expressed confidence in his readiness, stating, “I felt like the intensity was there and my stuff was game-ready.” This sentiment aligns with the Dodgers’ management, who have indicated that they believe he is prepared for this next step.
Conversely, some critics caution against rushing Ohtani back into a pitching role, emphasizing the importance of a thorough rehabilitation process. They argue that while his talent is undeniable, the risk of further injury could jeopardize both his pitching and hitting capabilities.
Context & Background
Shohei Ohtani’s unique status as a two-way player—capable of excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter—has made him one of the most valuable assets in Major League Baseball (MLB). His previous accolades include winning the MVP award three times and achieving historic milestones, such as being the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. His dual-threat capability has not only elevated his individual career but has also transformed team strategies around his use.
The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a record-setting 10-year, $700 million deal, reflecting their commitment to leveraging his skills. However, the team’s current injury crisis has intensified the urgency for his return, as they navigate a competitive landscape in the National League.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While Ohtani’s return to the mound is confirmed, several uncertainties remain. It is unclear how many innings he will be able to pitch in his initial outings and how quickly he can build up to a full starting workload. Additionally, the long-term implications of his return on both his health and performance are still to be determined. The Dodgers’ management has not specified a timeline for when Ohtani might transition from an opener to a full-fledged starting pitcher.
Furthermore, the impact of Ohtani’s return on the Dodgers’ overall performance in the season remains to be seen. As the team continues to deal with injuries, the effectiveness of their pitching staff with Ohtani back in the rotation will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
In summary, Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching represents a significant moment for both him and the Dodgers, with potential ramifications for the team’s performance and strategy moving forward. As he steps back onto the mound, the baseball community will be watching closely to see how this unfolds.
