Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound is likely to be after the All-Star break, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a bullpen session in Los Angeles on May 21, 2025, with pitching coach Mark Prior looking on. (Kyodo)
Ohtani is scheduled to face batters Sunday for the first time since elbow surgery in September 2023.
“He’s doing his first simulated game for two innings and in theory you got to build a starter up to five, six innings,” Roberts said after the Dodgers’ 5-2 loss to the New York Mets at Citi Field. “And so just the natural progression, I just don’t see it being before that.”
Ohtani threw all his pitches in practice Wednesday, including a slider, which he had previously avoided due to the burden on his elbow.
The Dodgers initially considered having him return to the mound early in the season, but decided to prioritize his hitting during spring training, while slowing down his pitching rehab.
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