Overview

• Shohei Ohtani threw sliders and curveballs in a bullpen session for the first time since undergoing Tommy John and shoulder labrum surgeries in late 2023.
• The Dodgers require Ohtani to demonstrate proficiency with his full pitch mix before advancing to simulated games or facing live hitters.
• Ohtani is tentatively lined up to face hitters in a simulated game on Saturday in New York, though this has not been officially confirmed by the team.
• Dodgers officials maintain that Ohtani’s return to pitching will not occur before the All-Star break, prioritizing his long-term health and offensive contributions.
• With injuries to key starters like Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell, the Dodgers' rotation remains under strain, heightening the importance of Ohtani’s eventual return.