Shohei Ohtani’s pitching return is getting closer.
The Dodgers’ two-way superstar hasn’t pitched in blue yet after tearing his UCL with the Angels in August of 2023.
But after recovering from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani has continued to amp up his rehab work.
On Saturday, Ohtani threw 50 pitches in his bullpen session, increasing from what had been a max of 35.
#Dodgers Shohei Ohtani increased his work in his weekly bullpen session today. 50 pitches, split 25-25 in an up-down (simulated inning break). Most he has thrown in his TJ recovery. Still hasn’t thrown any breaking pitches but must be close to throwing to hitters
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 17, 2025
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It’s not clear yet whether the Dodgers would rather have Ohtani start working in breaking pitches first, or get him against live hitters first.
Either way, upping the pitch total is a huge step.
The Dodgers are of course being careful with their superstar, but he has taken each step relatively smoothly.
Ohtani is raking at the plate in the meantime. He’s up to 16 home runs on the season after hitting one Friday night, tops in MLB.
If he can get back on the mound, too, he’ll be that much more valuable from his status as already one of the best couple hitters and base-runners in baseball.
It might still be a couple months, but Ohtani is on his way back to the big league mound.
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