Shohei Ohtani Advances Recovery with Key Bullpen Session and Batting Practice

The Dodgers star is progressing toward a May pitching return while preparing to serve as designated hitter for the season opener in Japan.

Shohei Ohtani threw a 25-pitch bullpen session, hitting 95 mph on his fastball and reintroducing his cutter, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called a significant step in his recovery.
Ohtani is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and a 2023 elbow surgery, aiming to return to pitching by May while starting the season as the Dodgers' designated hitter.
The Dodgers are considering a six-man pitching rotation to manage Ohtani’s dual-role workload and reduce the risk of injury.
During batting practice, Ohtani faced live pitching for the first time since his shoulder surgery, making contact on three of 32 pitches but hitting no home runs.
Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, made history last season as MLB's first 50-50 player, with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.