Shohei Ohtani to restart pitching practice The Dodgers are looking at long-term planning

With the Tokyo Series of MLB Overseas Openers coming to an end, Shohei Ohtani's right elbow rehabilitation program is about to enter a new phase. Dodgers head coach Dave Roberts revealed Monday that Ohtani will have a cowpen practice pitch on Saturday, his first official pitch since Feb. 25. Previously, the team slowed down the recovery on the pitching side in order to focus on his striking drills, during which he continued to practice passing and receiving the ball.

While Roberts has hinted that May could be the window in which Ohtani will return to Pitcher Hill, he said he won't be able to make a concrete plan clear until Saturday pitches. Roberts stressed that the team is working on a rehabilitation plan with the goal of "late-season availability" – the Dodgers Bullpen has suffered a lot of injuries in recent years during the playoffs.

"It's also for the long-term health of Ohtani," Roberts said, "and we have to be as cautious as possible." The most important thing for the 2025 season is to ensure that he can shoot both at the end of the season, including October. "

Ohtani hasn't played in major league pitching since August 23, 2023, and underwent a second major surgery on his right elbow in September of the same year. He began to resume passing at the end of last season, but a lip tear in his left shoulder suffered in the second game of the World Series delayed his recovery while he struggled to return to his assigned striker role.

Roberts admits that for the two-way superstar, the return to pitching amounts to a "fresh start." "Considering what he's been through, it's reasonable to keep his arm in shape," Roberts said, "but I can't predict the exact trajectory of the recovery, I can only say it's a reasonable arrangement." "

While the exact return date is yet to be determined, a gradual increase in pitching intensity is on the agenda. Ideally, Roberts would expect the three-time MVP and four-time All-Star to contribute 18-20 starts. "We're looking forward to it. Roberts said.