Is Shohei Ohtani Pitching This Year? 🧢🔥

Ever since Shohei Ohtani signed his record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023, fans across the globe have been buzzing with one burning question:

“Will Ohtani pitch in 2025?”

As of this week, that question is finally receiving a hopeful — and exciting — update.

🦾 Tommy John Surgery: The Road to Recovery

Ohtani underwent his second Tommy John surgery in September 2023 after suffering damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. The procedure meant that he would be unable to pitch during the entire 2024 season. However, he continued to shine as a designated hitter, becoming one of the Dodgers’ most consistent offensive forces.

In 2025, while continuing to dominate at the plate, Ohtani has been meticulously sticking to a strict throwing program designed by the Dodgers’ medical and performance team. His recovery has been smooth but cautious, with all eyes on a potential return to the mound.

Now, he has reached a major turning point in that process.

⚾ This Week: Live Game-Style Pitching Practice Begins

This week, Shohei Ohtani began facing live batters in simulated games — marking his first time pitching in a game-style environment since the 2023 injury. It’s an encouraging development and a signal that his comeback as a two-way phenom is inching closer to reality.

Why This Matters:

• 🩺 It marks the final phase of his pitching rehab, a necessary step before being cleared for real MLB action.
• 🕐 It puts him on track to possibly pitch later this season, potentially giving the Dodgers a late-season boost as they gear up for a playoff run.
• 💥 It shows the Dodgers are not just optimistic but actively planning for his eventual return to the mound.

The live batting sessions are being closely monitored by team trainers and coaches, who will assess velocity, command, and Ohtani’s overall comfort. Reports suggest that Ohtani looked sharp, mixing in his signature splitter and fastball while maintaining fluid mechanics.

👀 What to Expect

• As of now, no specific date has been set for Ohtani’s return to MLB pitching.
• Manager Dave Roberts has reiterated the importance of a cautious, day-by-day progression, emphasizing that long-term health outweighs short-term gains.
• There’s growing speculation that Ohtani may return as a relief pitcher first, which would allow him to contribute in shorter bursts without the strain of a full start.
• If all goes well, he could take the mound as a reliever sometime in September, or possibly during the postseason.

Dodgers fans are already imagining the thrill of seeing Ohtani enter a tight playoff game, potentially closing it out with his 100 mph heater and deadly splitter.

🎙️ What Ohtani Said

Ohtani, known for his calm demeanor, has been measured in his comments but clearly enthusiastic about his progress:

“I’m taking it step by step. Right now, the focus is on making sure I feel strong with every throw. It feels good to finally face batters again.”

He also credited the Dodgers’ medical team for supporting his rehab journey and emphasized that he won’t rush the process just for the sake of returning sooner.

📈 How His Return Could Impact the Dodgers

Even without pitching, Ohtani has been a game-changer at the plate. But the prospect of adding his elite pitching arm back into the mix could be transformative for the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations.

• He could serve as a shutdown reliever, bringing unmatched intensity and skill to the bullpen.
• His presence could allow the Dodgers to rotate or rest other arms, improving overall depth.
• Strategically, it could change the way opposing teams approach late-game situations against L.A.

If Ohtani returns as a pitcher, even in a limited role, it would mark one of the most remarkable two-way comebacks in modern baseball history.

Conclusion: A Possible Two-Way Comeback in 2025?

While Shohei Ohtani has dazzled at the plate in 2025, his return to the mound could elevate him — and the Dodgers — to another level. The fact that he’s begun facing live hitters is a huge step forward, and it brings hope that we may yet see him pitching before this season ends.

So, is Shohei Ohtani pitching this year?

🟢 Not in MLB games just yet — but he’s getting very close.

Stay tuned, because the Ohtani Show might soon return in full two-way glory, just in time to make postseason history.