Feb 18, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) throws a bullpen session during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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When will Shohei Ohtani make his 2025 spring training debut? Latest update on Dodgers’ superstar

Against his former team!

Shohei Ohtani has already proven there’s virtually nothing he can’t do – except, maybe, parallel park. But if 2024 was any indication, he doesn’t need pitching (or parking skills) to justify his record-breaking $700 million contract.

TMZ taking a video of Shohei Ohtani parallel parking is just cruel.

Nobody deserves to have a camera recording them parallel park.

Especially when you’re this bad at it.

pic.twitter.com/yNUcq8A87H
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) February 20, 2025

Coming off one of the greatest offensive seasons in baseball history, Ohtani led the National League in home runs, RBIs, and OPS, while also becoming the first player to join the exclusive 50-50 club. And he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers capture a World Series title in his first year with the team. So, the big question for 2025 is: What’s next for Shohei Ohtani?

Shohei Ohtani’s road to 2025

While the 2024 offseason was all about his free agency, 2025 was largely focused on his recruitment efforts to bring Roki Sasaki to the Dodgers. But this season is also significant for another reason – Ohtani is set to return to the mound.

FIRST LOOK: Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound throwing his first bullpen of Spring Training. pic.twitter.com/E06ND3O5SJ
— MLB (@MLB) February 15, 2025

Despite undergoing two Tommy John surgeries and receiving plenty of advice to prioritize hitting over pitching, Ohtani remains committed to his two-way status. If all goes according to plan, he could be back on the hill in May. But before that, he’ll be stepping into the batter’s box for his first game of spring training.

When will Shohei Ohtani make his spring training debut?

The Dodgers’ season starts earlier than most, as they’ll open the year in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18. That means their spring training schedule is also slightly accelerated.

ALSO READ: National League 2025: Projected MLB Opening Day lineups and rotations

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will make his first 2025 spring training appearance on Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels, serving as the Dodgers’ designated hitter – the same role he occupied throughout 2024.

The game marks Ohtani’s return to action following offseason shoulder surgery in November. He recently faced live pitching in a batting practice session, where he took 18 swings on 32 pitches from High-A right-hander Nicolas Cruz. According to MLB.com’s Jack Magruder, Ohtani “felt good afterward,” and the Dodgers had been aiming to have him play in a game by the end of the week.

When will Shohei Ohtani start pitching again?

While Ohtani’s first game action will be limited to hitting, his return to the mound is expected in May, according to Roberts. The Dodgers are prioritizing his health and recovery, ensuring he’s fully prepared before making his much-anticipated pitching comeback.

Before then, Ohtani will be ready to hit by Opening Day, giving the Dodgers another potent bat to kick off their season in Japan.

Shohei Ohtani isn’t alone

Ohtani isn’t the only key Dodger making his spring debut this week. Freddie Freeman, recovering from offseason ankle surgery, will DH against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. Catcher Will Smith, who has been dealing with an ankle issue, will join Ohtani in the lineup Friday against the Angels.

With Ohtani’s return to the field and a May pitching timeline on the horizon, the reigning World Series champions are gearing up for another dominant season – one that will once again revolve around their two-way superstar.

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Mohsin Baldiwala

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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.