Overview

• Shohei Ohtani has thrown 31- and 35-pitch bullpen sessions in late April and early May but remains at least two months away from returning to game action as a pitcher.
• Ohtani is excelling offensively, leading the Dodgers with a .304 batting average, 12 home runs, and a 1.063 OPS as of May 10, 2025.
• The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries, with key players like Clayton Kershaw, Evan Phillips, and Tony Gonsolin sidelined, straining the rotation and bullpen depth.
• Manager Dave Roberts and analysts emphasize caution regarding Ohtani’s pitching return, prioritizing his long-term health and offensive value over immediate postseason contributions on the mound.
• Hall of Famer Bob Costas and insiders suggest the Dodgers could explore using Ohtani as a reliever in the postseason, though no decisions have been made.