Shohei Ohtani is set to take a significant step in his return to pitching this weekend, as the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar will throw live batting practice to teammates before Sunday night’s series finale at Citi Field. It marks the first time Ohtani will face live hitters since undergoing elbow surgery in September 2023.
Originally scheduled for Saturday, the session was pushed back due to the Dodgers’ marathon 13-inning game the night before, which included a rain delay and didn’t wrap until 1:00 a.m. ET. Still, the anticipation around Ohtani’s return continues to grow.
“It’s a big step getting on a mound facing hitters,” said manager Dave Roberts (via The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya). “Rightfully so, there’s a lot of anticipation, but I think he’s really looking forward to it.”
A Delicate, One-of-a-Kind Return Plan
This weekend’s live session is expected to cover two innings, another milestone in what has been a careful and highly individualized recovery. While Ohtani has been throwing bullpen sessions for months—touching 50 pitches and sitting in the mid-90s with his fastball—Sunday’s session will be the first time he reintroduces breaking pitches like the slider against live hitters.
“You’re talking about really adding velocity — I think right now it’s been tempered or controlled,” Roberts said. “You’re talking throwing a slider to hitters, which he has only done in a bullpen. So those are two other boxes.”
Ohtani resumed bullpens on March 29, following a pause after early spring training sessions in February. He is not expected to pitch in a Major League game until after the All-Star break, and Roberts made it clear that ramping him up to a traditional starter’s workload will take time.
“He’s doing his first simulated game for two innings and in theory you got to build a starter up to five, six innings,” Roberts explained. “So just the natural progression, I just don’t see it being before [the break].”
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Unique Dilemma
The Dodgers face a rare situation with Ohtani, who isn’t just recovering from a second UCL procedure—he’s also one of the best hitters in baseball. While most pitchers returning from Tommy John-like surgeries go on minor league rehab assignments, the Dodgers are wary of pulling Ohtani’s bat from their everyday lineup. He has started 49 of the team’s first 51 games at designated hitter.
“It’s not going to be five minor league starts, I do know that,” Roberts said. “I think this is just such a unique situation that there’s no one kind of blueprint.”
Still, Roberts didn’t rule out a minor league appearance entirely. With off-days and minor league schedules complicating matters, the only realistic date for such an outing could be Thursday, June 12, when the Dodgers have a scheduled day off.
“I think anything should be on the table,” Roberts added.
Still Dominant at the Plate
Ohtani’s recovery from elbow surgery hasn’t hindered his offensive production in the slightest. The three-time MVP is slashing .302/.397/.643 through 232 plate appearances this season, with 17 home runs—tied for the MLB lead with Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, and Cal Raleigh—and a league-best 53 runs scored.
His 2025 performance comes on the heels of one of the greatest offensive seasons in modern history. In 2024, he batted .310 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, winning MVP honors in his first season as a Dodger after signing a 10-year, $700 million contract in free agency.
Managing Two Recoveries
Ohtani’s elbow isn’t the only thing the Dodgers are monitoring. He also underwent offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in November to repair a labrum tear suffered while sliding during the World Series. That additional procedure adds another layer of complexity to an already cautious workload.
Despite those challenges, Roberts expressed satisfaction with Ohtani’s progress.
“I think up to this point he’s checked every box,” Roberts said. “I just want him to get through it healthy and be willing to get to the next step.”
What’s Next?
Ohtani is expected to face teammates Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing during Sunday’s live session. While the Dodgers won’t rush his return to competitive pitching, this weekend marks the most tangible progress yet in his comeback.
After 20 months away from the mound, Ohtani’s journey back to being a two-way force is entering its most critical phase—one carefully calibrated by the Dodgers, with an eye on October.