Shohei Ohtani Shares Promising Health Update Following Offseason Shoulder Surgery
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Eyes May Pitching Return After Surgery
By Reuters and Leocciano Callao | Updated: 05:56 GMT, 13 February 2025
Shohei Ohtani is set to take a major step in his pitching comeback this weekend, announcing he will throw a bullpen session as he works toward a projected May return to the mound. The Los Angeles Dodgers star, who underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023, spent 2024 exclusively as a hitter but is now navigating a dual recovery after offseason shoulder surgery.
Ohtani suffered the shoulder injury during Game 2 of the 2024 World Series, leading to a procedure that has left lingering discomfort. “There’s just a limited range of motion,” Ohtani said via his interpreter. “I have to stay patient with the shoulder—it’s more complicated than the elbow.” Ohtani previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 and has not pitched since September 2023.
[Image Caption: Shohei Ohtani trains in Arizona ahead of his bullpen session this weekend.]
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will not pitch during spring training or minor league rehab, signaling the team’s cautious approach. Adjustments to Ohtani’s two-way role are also expected. “We’ll likely give him rest days as a DH and limit stolen bases,” Roberts said. “Balancing pitching and hitting will require ongoing dialogue.”
Despite the setbacks, Ohtani’s 2024 season as a hitter set career highs: a .310 average, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases. His dominance earned him a third MVP award and anchored the Dodgers’ lineup.
[Image Caption: Ohtani eyes both pitching and hitting duties in 2025 after a historic $700M deal.]
Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers—once a sports record—was surpassed by Juan Soto’s $765 million Mets deal in late 2024. Meanwhile, Dodgers relievers Evan Phillips (shoulder) and Michael Kopech (forearm) face delayed starts, potentially beginning the season on the injured list.
What’s Next: With Ohtani’s bullpen session marking a milestone, the Dodgers aim to protect their star investment while chasing another championship.
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