The Los Angeles Dodgers are hopeful for Shohei Ohtani's return to pitching during the 2025 season, but recent setbacks in his training have clouded the timeline. Manager Dave Roberts initially aimed for early May for Ohtani's rotation inclusion, but delays in his pitching progression are leading to uncertainty. Ohtani recently completed multiple bullpen sessions, mixing in new pitches, including a splitter, and he is experimenting with a windup delivery for improvement. The injury history, specifically his recovery from Tommy John surgery, adds to the complexities surrounding his comeback.
Shohei Ohtani threw a 26-pitch bullpen today. Mark Prior said he mixed in a couple splitters, too, the first time he's done that since resuming his throwing program after spring training.
Up until Saturday, Ohtani had been limited to throwing fastballs (two-seamer, four-seam, cutter) in his bullpens.
One change this season will see is Ohtani pitching out of the windup for the first time in his career. He began experimenting with the new delivery during Spring Training in pursuit of improving as a pitcher.
Ohtani is looking to pitch in a Major League game for the first time since the 2023 season. That year ended somewhat early for Ohtani, as he underwent a second career Tommy John surgery.
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