Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, provided an update on Shohei Ohtani's pitching recovery from surgery. After a slow start to his progression, Ohtani is set to throw a heavier bullpen session soon, though facing hitters remains uncertain. The Dodgers face injury challenges with many pitchers on the injured list. Despite these setbacks, Ohtani has been a strong offensive presence, already hitting three home runs this season after a successful 2024 season with impressive stats as a designated hitter.
"He'll throw a heavier bullpen on Saturday," Roberts said. "I think we'll go from there. There's still many bullpens to come, but we don't have it targeted yet, when he's going to face hitters. We're not there yet."
Ohtani has not pitched an inning since 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels. When he was healthy, the unanimous 2024 National League Most Valuable Player logged an ERA of 3.31 or lower in four of five MLB seasons.
Injuries were a major problem for the Los Angeles pitching staff last season and remain an obstacle in 2025. So far, the Dodgers have 11 pitchers on either the 15-day or 60-day injured list.
The three-time Silver Slugger is already a significant contributor to the Dodgers' offense as the team's designated hitter. Ohtani slashed .310/.390/.646 and recorded 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases in his first season with the Dodgers in 2024.
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