Shohei Ohtani Eyes May Return to Pitching as Dodgers Prepare for Tokyo Series

The Dodgers star continues recovery from shoulder and elbow surgeries, with plans to pitch later in the season while starting as a hitter in March.

Shohei Ohtani is recovering from shoulder surgery and a prior elbow surgery, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts projecting a pitching return in May.
Ohtani will not pitch in the Dodgers' season-opening series in Tokyo against the Cubs on March 18-19 but is expected to play as a hitter.
The Dodgers' offseason acquisitions, including Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, bolster their rotation as they plan for a six-man pitching staff.
Ohtani has resumed hitting and is reportedly on schedule in his recovery, with videos showing promising progress in his swing mechanics.
Freddie Freeman, also recovering from ankle surgery, is optimistic about being ready for the Tokyo opener but will take a cautious approach during spring training.