Shohei Ohtani is about to take the next step in his recovery, and the Dodgers superstar is expected to make his first bullpen practice throw this weekend. While he had previously practiced passing on the pitcher's mound and resumed all of his pitching action on flat ground, Ohtani's first bullpen practice pitch would be a more concrete milestone that would help the Dodgers develop a clearer timeline for his return to the major league pitching mound on the pitcher's mound. Will Ireton, through team interpreter, said the practice pitch was "more about getting used to the slope of the pitcher's mound" than throwing the ball at full strength on the first attempt.

Ohtani underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament on his right elbow in September 2023 and underwent surgery on his left shoulder in November last year. He is expected to be ready for the opening game as a batter and return to major league pitching sometime in May.

On Wednesday, head coach Dave Roberts shared more details about Shohei Ohtani's recovery plan, including that he is not expected to play in any Cactus League games or undergo minor league rehabilitation missions at the start of the regular season. So, if Ohtani doesn't play any games before he returns, the Dodgers will have to find a way to help him get back to pitching.

As a batter, Ohtani reiterated that he feels his recovery is progressing normally, although there is still some discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder. "It's just that the range of activities is limited," Otani said. "I've had elbow surgery before, and the shoulder is a bit more complicated. I think that's the part I need to be patient with. ”

Roberts admits that the workload of managing him will be different this year as Ohtani will return to pitching. He will likely steal less bases, pay more attention to shoulder protection, and get more rest days as a designated batter (DH). "As for pitching and batting, he's done it before," Roberts said. "He's had a great season with both...... We haven't discussed what he feels comfortable with and what feels good about him. I'm looking forward to these conversations, but obviously this year is going to be a little bit more complicated than last year. ”