LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is preparing to take another major step in his road back to two-way stardom. For the first time since his elbow surgery in 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ powerhouse will pitch to live hitters—marking a pivotal milestone in his recovery and signaling hope for a full return to the mound.
Although Ohtani has dazzled at the plate throughout the 2024 season, continuing to lead the Dodgers’ offense as a designated hitter, his presence on the mound has been sorely missed. The upcoming live session is part of a gradual ramp-up as the Dodgers and their medical staff closely monitor his progress.
“This isn’t a game situation, but it’s a big deal,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s the first time we’ll really see how things look when he’s facing real batters. We’re all excited.”
The Dodgers have been deliberate with Ohtani’s rehab plan, focusing on long-term sustainability over short-term gains. While no exact date has been given for a full return to pitching, the team has emphasized that 2025 remains the target for his two-way comeback.
Ohtani’s competitive fire and desire to return to both hitting and pitching have never wavered. Known for his relentless work ethic, he’s spent the past several months carefully rebuilding strength and refining mechanics. His upcoming session, expected to feature controlled pitches against teammates or minor leaguers, will serve as a critical checkpoint in that journey.
Despite the absence of his arm in the rotation, Ohtani’s impact as a hitter has remained elite—ranking among the league leaders in home runs, slugging, and on-base percentage. His ability to dominate on both sides of the ball is what makes him one of the most unique and valuable players in baseball history.
While Dodgers fans may still need to wait a while longer before seeing Ohtani pitch in a competitive game, the upcoming session offers a clear sign that he’s progressing well. And for the team, which has already been thriving in the standings, the prospect of adding an ace-caliber pitcher back into the mix is a tantalizing one.
For now, all eyes will be on that bullpen or back-field session, where one of the sport’s most electrifying talents takes the next step toward becoming whole again.
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