Shohei Ohtani is one of the most unique, talented baseball players of his generation. Coined as the modern-day Babe Ruth due to his two-way abilities as a hitter and pitcher, Ohtani has soared past Ruth’s two-way accomplishments.
Ohtani continues to occupy the Los Angeles Dodgers full-time designated hitter position, as he continues to rehab injuries to his throwing shoulder and elbow. But, there’s a world in the near future when Ohtani is a full-time pitcher, DH, and outfielder simultaneously.
The Dodgers and Ohtani are off to a hot start this season. The team holds a 14-6 record, just 1.5 games back of the San Diego Padres for the best record in baseball. Ohtani is batting .291 with six home runs, eight RBIs, and five stolen bases.
Even when Blake Snell and Clayton Kershaw both return from the injured list, the Dodgers will assuredly find a spot in the rotation for Ohtani.
With the Dodgers enjoying a day off Thursday, manager Dave Roberts made an appearance on “The Jim Rome Show” on SiriusXM. With the three-time MVP ramping up his throwing sessions, Roberts provided a major update on Ohtani’s timeline to return to the mound.
When will we see Shohei on the mound in Dodger Blue?
Dave Roberts gives a timeline on Ohtani’s progress toward his return to pitching. pic.twitter.com/Jvlmsl6P8i
When will we see Shohei on the mound in Dodger Blue?
Dave Roberts gives a timeline on Ohtani's progress toward his return to pitching. pic.twitter.com/Jvlmsl6P8i
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) April 17, 2025
“He looked great. This guy’s a unicorn. He’s throwing his fastball easy 92 (miles per hour). He’s got a light bullpen today. He’s got a full one Saturday. Hopefully soon he’s going to start facing some hitters,” Roberts said of the work Ohtani has done so far.
Roberts went on to give a more definitive answer on if Ohtani will pitch for the Dodgers this season.
“Time of return, we certainly expect him to pitch for us this year and into the postseason,” Roberts said.
Through 20 games, Ohtani is on pace to hit 48 home runs and steal 40 bases. If he can also give the Dodgers anything close to the 2022 version of Ohtani the pitcher, when he posted a 2.33 ERA, they figure to be the happiest MLB team around.
Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season.
