Shohei Ohtani gives major update on rehab progress after surgery: 'Small steps' toward full recovery

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani provided a major update on his rehab following the procedure on his left shoulder. Ohtani injured the shoulder during Game 2 of the World Series this past fall.

Ohtani spoke to the media after being named the AP’s Male Athlete of the Year for the third time in his career. Ohtani addressed his feelings regarding the honor bestowed upon him.

But, in particular, the AP quoted Ohtani about how his recovery process has come along.

“I don’t have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," Ohtani said. "There’s no pain. There’s obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it’s getting better.”

The comments are encouraging as fans expect to see Ohtani in the lineup come Opening Day in 2025. Primarily a DH, a shoulder injury could significantly impact his hitting.

Additionally, Ohtani discussed his planned outcome following rehab:

“It’s the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy.”

At this point, there’s no reason to believe Ohtani won’t be ready for next season. Barring an unfortunate setback, the Dodgers should have their best played ready to make another World Series run. The Dodgers will be looking to make back-to-back championships after winning the Fall Classic during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

Shohei Ohtani hoping to pitch in 2025

Before becoming the Majors’ first 50/50 man, Ohtani made a name for himself as a hybrid player. He was the first in a long while to pitch and hit in the Majors. Moreover, he did it well, earning Cy Young votes in 2022 and 2023.

However, Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career during the 2023 offseason. The recovery from the Tommy John procedure kept Ohtani off the mound in 2024. But he’s not ruling out a return in 2025.

“My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," Ohtani said, via AP. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself.”

Ohtani also explained that he believed the Dodgers would go with a five-man rotation next season with a bullpen day sprinkled in between to give starters additional rest. Given how the Dodgers’ rotation could look next season, Ohtani won’t be rushed to pitch.

Depending on his recovery, Ohtani may become a factor during the second half of the season, if he ever pitches again.

If the Dodgers ever get Ohtani back on the mound, it would augment the number of talented arms already in the rotation. Time will tell if that’s the case for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers.