Shohei Ohtani to Resume Pitching Program with Bullpen Session This Saturday
The Dodgers are cautiously advancing Ohtani's rehab with a focus on long-term health and postseason readiness, targeting May for his return to pitching in games.
- Ohtani will throw his first bullpen session since February 25 on Saturday, March 29, at Dodger Stadium, marking a key step in his pitching rehab.
- The Dodgers are prioritizing a cautious approach to ensure Ohtani's availability for the late 2025 season and postseason, following his second Tommy John surgery and a torn labrum in 2023.
- Manager Dave Roberts has hinted at May 2025 as a tentative target for Ohtani's return to pitching in games, though no firm timeline has been set.
- Ohtani continues to serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter, following a historic 2024 season in which he hit 54 home runs and stole 59 bases.
- Roberts considers 18-20 starts from Ohtani in the 2025 season an ideal outcome as the team balances his dual-role recovery and competitive goals.