Shohei Ohtani Announces Return to Pitching and Personal Milestone Ahead of 2025 Season

Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani has made significant announcements as the team prepares for the 2025 MLB season. After exclusively serving as a designated hitter during the 2024 season due to injury, Ohtani has confirmed plans to resume pitching by mid-2025. Additionally, he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child.

Return to the Mound

During the Dodgers’ annual Dodgerfest event at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani provided an update on his pitching status. He revealed that his rehabilitation is progressing well, with plans to return to the mound between May and June 2025. This timeline suggests that Ohtani will rejoin the Dodgers’ rotation early in the season, bolstering an already formidable pitching staff. In the interim, the team plans to utilize a traditional five-man rotation, expanding to six once Ohtani resumes pitching.

Personal Milestone

In late 2024, Ohtani shared joyous personal news via social media: he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child. The announcement featured a heartfelt image of their dog, Decoy, alongside a small pink onesie, symbolizing the upcoming addition to their family.

Dodgers’ Outlook for 2025

Following their World Series victory in 2024, the Dodgers have made strategic moves to strengthen their roster. The team has signed Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, enhancing their pitching depth. With Ohtani’s anticipated return to two-way play, the Dodgers are poised for another strong championship run. Preseason projections reflect high expectations, with the team predicted to achieve 104.5 wins, the highest since at least 1990.

As the 2025 season approaches, both fans and the organization eagerly await Ohtani’s return to the mound and celebrate his upcoming journey into fatherhood