Shohei Ohtani pitching update: Positive signs from Dodgers ace to kickstart new year

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani had a historic first season with the National League West team in 2024. The Japanese two-way helped the Dodgers to an eighth World Series title to cap a remarkable year.

Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to smash 50 home runs and 50 steals, establishing himself as one of the greatest players ever. His accolade was rewarded a unanimous NL MVP title, his third of an illustrious career.

However, the three-time MVP can take his game up a notch next season as is scheduled to resume his pitching duties. Ohtani didn't pitch for the Dodgers in his first season as he was rehabbing from an elbow injury that required surgery in 2023.

While the Dodgers star is yet to take the mound for the team, he was seen pitching in practice at Maranatha High School in LA.

Shohei Ohtani has not pitched in the MLB since his last season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023. He was in a restricted role as a designated hitter for the Dodgers in his first season following a $700 million deal last offseason.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shares plan for Shohei Ohtani's pitching return

Although it's exciting times for Dodgers fans seeing Shohei Ohtani edging closer to a pitching return, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts maintained his precautionary stance.

Despite Spring Training looming, Roberts is prepared to hold back Ohtani from pitching until May, per reports from a Japanese outlet. The Dodgers manager has always maintained his stance of keeping Ohtani healthy for the postseason as the team chase consecutive World Series titles.

During last month's winter meetings, Roberts said Ohtani will be ready to hit by Opening Day after undergoing shoulder surgery after the World Series but won't be taking the mound.

“I think the question is when he starts pitching In major league games, and how we build him up prior to that,” Roberts said. “I don’t see it as a minor league rehab situation. We’ve got to kind of be nimble with that one.”

The Dodgers have already added Blake Snell to a star-studded rotation in the offseason and are reportedly chasing Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, so the reigning World Series winners are unlikely to rush Ohtani's pitching return.