Here’s when we can expect to see Shohei Ohtani return to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation

Fans of thew LA Dodger are still yet to see Shohei Ohtani throw a pitch in a competition game but there is hope that he could soon make his long-awaited return to the mound.

Ohtani took a major step forward in his preparation during team practice on Tuesday, throwing 44 pitches during a simulated pitching session at Petco Park. The Japanese superstar carries aa ‘two-way player’ designation, meaning that he is not counted towards the team’s 13-pitcher limit.

This makes it easy for him to be eased into the team, to throw a few pitches across a two- or three-inning stretch, rather than wait until he can be relied upon for a longer spell. This gives management greater flexibility in how to use him and head coach Dave Roberts had good news for fans.

Speaking on Tuesday, Roberts said that there is a “north of zero” chance that Ohtani throws pitches before the All-Star break in mid-July. Even if he isn’t able to make that, ESPN reports that Ohtani looks set to return to pitch in July.

For now, it looks like the Dodgers plan to bring Ohtani back gently by giving him some pitching opportunities alongside a full 13-man rotation.

“It certainly doesn’t have to be a full buildup,” Roberts explained. “Because anything that he can give us is certainly additive.”

“It’s tempting,” Roberts replied, when asked about the prospect of bringing Ohtani back to the rotation sooner. “I’m sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off for a big league game. But I think we’ve done a good job of just being patient. And truth be told, I don’t know if anyone knows the right time to get him in a big league game. But we’re still being very careful.”

The last time that Ohtani threw a pitch in the majors was in August 2023 and he has suffered serious injury concerns in the intervening two years. Since then he has picked up multiple shoulder injuries and his hitting production has been so impressive that coaches are extremely reluctant to risk him. Now, finally, it might be time for Ohtani to return to the mound.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.