Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani says he is unsure if and when he will be able to pitch this season, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player spoke to reporters at the annual DodgerFest. Manager Dave Roberts seemed more confident about a possible timeline, saying Ohtani pitching in May “sounds about right.”
Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani pitching in May “sounds about right.” https://t.co/eAEvVKlMVA
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 1, 2025
Shohei Ohtani Uncertain of Timeline for Pitching in 2025
Rehab and Recovery
The 50-50 man did not pitch last season due to elbow surgery in 2023. Nonetheless, he still garnered several individual awards and helped lead the Dodgers to their eighth World Series Championship in franchise history. The right-hander also underwent another surgical procedure to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, an injury he sustained while attempting to steal second base against the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic.
Apparently, there are no hiccups in either recovery process thus far.
Shohei Ohtani added that everything appears to be on schedule after left shoulder (non-throwing) surgery this offseason. https://t.co/eAEvVKlMVA
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 1, 2025
Another MVP Weighs In
Ironically, Ohtani’s comments come just days after Barry Bonds suggested that the two-way player should “primarily” stay a designated hitter. The home run king says that if Ohtani pitches in the starting rotation, it will “wear him out.” However, Ohtani seems determined to continue pitching for now.
Other Injury Updates
Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas, who had offseason surgery to repair a hernia, will be ready for spring training despite having a post-op infection. Starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan, who missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, has been throwing off the mound and is scheduled to pitch in rehab games in May or June.
With the signings of Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell along with the return of Tyler Glasnow and future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers seem to possess an embarrassment of riches in starting pitching depth. However, Los Angeles would know better than anyone that appearances can be deceiving. It is a long way to October.
Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
