With 14 pitchers currently on the injured list, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ need for reinforcements is urgent — and one of baseball’s most unique talents is inching closer to delivering help. Shohei Ohtani, though yet to throw a pitch in a Dodgers uniform, took a key step in his recovery Sunday at Citi Field, throwing a 22-pitch live batting practice session before they faced the New York Mets.
Facing teammates Hyeseong Kim, top prospect Dalton Rushing, and game-planning coach JT Watkins, Ohtani struck out two and issued one walk. Pitching coach Mark Prior told The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya that Ohtani’s fastball touched 97 mph — a promising velocity for someone returning from elbow surgery.
Los Angeles Dodgers Live Batting Practice
Though he’s not yet ready for a full pitching return, the outing marks an encouraging milestone. The Dodgers are being cautious, balancing Ohtani’s pitching ramp-up with his offensive role as the team’s designated hitter. “Obviously the buildup is important,” manager Dave Roberts said, “but so is him taking five at-bats in a game.”
Ohtani, who is recovering from a torn labrum in his non-throwing (left) shoulder suffered during Game 2 of last year’s World Series, has still been dominant at the plate in 2025. He’s slashing .296/.378/.642 with 17 home runs, 31 RBI, and a 1.020 OPS.
Although he won’t receive a traditional rehab assignment, Ohtani is progressing on schedule. Roberts had predicted a May return to the mound, and while no date is confirmed, the goal remains clear: to unleash Ohtani’s full two-way potential by October.