Shohei Ohtani won’t be able to pitch on Opening Day as he continues to get better from offseason surgical procedure, however the Los Angeles Dodgers have a goal date in thoughts for when he would possibly be capable to take the mound once more.
Ohtani underwent offseason labrum surgical procedure that the Dodgers had already admitted would prevent him from being ready to pitch at the beginning of the season. Supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned at Saturday’s DodgerFest that Might was an affordable estimate for when Ohtani might pitch in a recreation.
At his personal DodgerFest Q&A, Ohtani mentioned the labrum restore had been a “difficult surgical procedure,” however he had skilled no setbacks and remained on schedule for the 2025 season. He didn’t put a timetable on when he would possibly pitch once more, however he did admit he has but to start out throwing bullpens once more.
Ohtani didn’t pitch in any respect in 2024 as he recovered from a UCL tear, which most likely helped him submit the absurd offensive numbers he wound up placing up. He has brazenly admitted that some other critical damage could spell the end of his pitching career, so he clearly desires to be cautious as he comes again this time.
The Dodgers went out and signed Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki within the offseason, so it’s secure to say they don’t seem to be essentially reliant on Ohtani being an ace-level pitcher. If he’s, they are going to be much more formidable than they already are.
