Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update: “Still a Couple of Months Away”

But... should he?

Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani’s path back to pitching continues to inch forward, but don’t expect to see him on the mound anytime soon.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar is still “a couple of months away” from returning to in-game action as a pitcher, according to manager Dave Roberts, who offered a detailed update during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show on Thursday.

When will we see Shohei on the mound in Dodger Blue?

Dave Roberts gives a timeline on Ohtani's progress toward his return to pitching. pic.twitter.com/Jvlmsl6P8i
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) April 17, 2025

Ohtani, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year for the second time in his career, has resumed bullpen sessions and is progressing as expected. But while the updates were largely positive, Roberts made it clear that patience will still be required.

“So, he looked great,” Roberts said. “It’s just easy velocity and this guy, he’s a unicorn, I mean he is physical, he’s big. He’s throwing his fastball – four-seam, two-seamer – and his split. And he’s kind of easy 92, 93.”

Roberts added that Ohtani was scheduled to throw another light bullpen session on Thursday, with a more extended session planned for Saturday. The next step? Live hitters. “Hopefully soon, Romey, he’s going to start facing some hitters,” Roberts said.

When Will Shohei Ohtani Return to Pitching?

Then came the key timeline. “Time of return, we’re still a couple of months away,” Roberts admitted.

That said, he didn’t rule out Ohtani contributing as a pitcher this season. It remains the plan.

Whether that’s the right plan, that’s a different debate entirely. Given Ohtani’s unique two-way skill set and his injury history, there will always be questions around whether pitching again is the smartest move for him or his team. But for now, the Dodgers’ focus is on making sure their star is healthy and comfortable, and if Shohei wants to pitch, the Dodgers will do everything to facilitate that.

ALSO READ: Is Pitching Worth the Risk for Dodgers’ Star Shohei Ohtani?

In the meantime, Ohtani is more than doing his part at the plate. The reigning National League MVP is slashing .288/.380/.550 with six home runs and eight RBIs through the first few weeks of the season. His .930 OPS is among the best in the league, proving that even without a presence on the mound, Ohtani remains one of the most dangerous and impactful players in baseball.

The Dodgers will keep waiting on his arm. But his bat hasn’t missed a beat.

Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.