Shohei Ohtani takes major step toward pitching return with bullpen session

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 12, 2025, 00:58 IST

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Shohei Ohtani took a successful first step toward his return by completing an up-down bullpen session. He's not there yet with game pitches, but the Dodgers are moving slowly as slowly as they can in hopes of getting him at peak later in the season.

Shohei Ohtani takes major step toward pitching return with bullpen session (Image Source: Getty Images)

Shohei Ohtani made a big step toward getting back to pitching on Saturday. Before the Dodgers played the D-backs at Chase Field, Shohei Ohtani had a bullpen session with a new element: an up-down. That is, he pitched, rested for a few moments like between innings, and pitched again. It's the second time he's done it since coming back from paternity leave three weeks ago.

Shohei Ohtani throws 35 pitches with a mix of fastballs and splitters

During this session, Shohei Ohtani threw around 35 pitches.

Operation Sindoor

Currently, he has not included his offspeed or breaking pitches. Manager Dave Roberts said the up-down is an important step because it mimics real game situations.

“It's significant because it sort of simulates an up-down inning,” Roberts said. “To see how he comes out of it after taking, call it, five-to-seven minutes of rest, and to see how he responds.”The Dodgers didn’t say exactly what’s next for Shohei Ohtani. He’ll eventually start using more of his pitch mix and face live hitters, but that could still be weeks away. When he does face hitters, it will likely be in simulated games so he can continue to hit every day as the designated hitter.

Dodgers stay patient while hoping for Shohei Ohtani’s full return

Shohei Ohtani is coming back from a right elbow surgery he had in 2023 his second major elbow surgery. He also had shoulder surgery last November. Due to those procedures, he wasn't afforded a complete offseason to condition himself to pitch. That's why the Dodgers are playing it safe, despite the absence of key starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, who are hurt.Clayton Kershaw will be coming back any time now following a last tuneup with Triple-A Oklahoma City. But even sans those missing arms, the Dodgers are taking their time with Shohei Ohtani. They would prefer to have him healthy for the most important games at the end of the season.“I'm trying to temper it, because I know that we're being very methodical with this, clearly," Roberts said. "But yeah, when you see the arm and see what he can do … I put my head in the place of how he can help us right now. But [I'm] trying to be patient.”Also Read: Shohei Ohtani Leaves Ashley Kelly Speechless With Unexpected Gift

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TOI Sports Desk

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