More than 18 Months After Elbow Surgery, Shohei Ohtani’s Return to the Mound Remains Uncertain—Insider Believes It Would Be a “Shock” if He Pitches This Year

More than 18 months after undergoing elbow surgery, Shohei Ohtani has not returned to the mound in an MLB game, and one insider believes it would be a “shock” if the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar pitches this year nearly as much as he has in previous seasons.

Ohtani, who has become one of the most electrifying and unique talents in baseball history due to his rare ability to both hit and pitch at an elite level, has not had the chance to showcase his pitching prowess for some time. His rise to superstardom has been largely attributed to his two-way abilities, which have set him apart from nearly every other player in MLB history. However, since his elbow surgery, Ohtani’s pitching career has been significantly affected.

The Road to Recovery

In September 2023, Ohtani underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in his throwing elbow. The surgery ruled him out of pitching for the entire 2024 season, his first with the Dodgers, and has kept him from returning to the mound so far in the 2025 season. This long-term injury, which required a lengthy recovery, has raised questions about when—or if—Ohtani will be able to resume his two-way role with the Dodgers in the near future.

At the time of his surgery, many believed that a May return to a two-way role in 2025 might be realistic. However, as the season progresses, that target seems increasingly unlikely. Ohtani’s pitching rehabilitation has not gone as quickly as hoped, and he continues to face obstacles as he works to get his arm back into game shape.

Setbacks in the Recovery Process

In a recent report by Alden Gonzalez for ESPN, it was revealed that Ohtani went 32 days between throwing off a mound, from February 25 to March 29. Prior to spring training, the idea of Ohtani returning to the mound in May seemed plausible, but that no longer appears to be the case. Although Ohtani kept his arm active during his shutdown by throwing off flat ground at moderate intensity, he is essentially starting his pitching buildup from scratch.

Ohtani’s bullpen session on March 29, where he threw approximately 20 pitches, highlighted just how far he still has to go before he can return to full pitching duties. After the session, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that there was still significant work to be done. “We’re a ways away,” Roberts said, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s pitching future.

The Impact on the Dodgers

For the Los Angeles Dodgers, the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s return to the mound presents a major challenge. As one of the most valuable players in the league, Ohtani’s ability to contribute both offensively and as a pitcher has been a key part of his success in recent years. The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a massive deal with the expectation that he would continue to be a two-way player, but the current situation has left the team facing a potential gap in their pitching staff.

Ohtani’s injury also raises questions about his long-term future as a pitcher. While he has been able to hit with incredible success since the surgery, many wonder how his recovery process will impact his ability to pitch again at the same level. The concern is not just about this season; it’s about whether Ohtani will be able to regain his form as a top-tier pitcher in the coming years.

A “Shock” If Ohtani Returns to Pitching This Year

An insider has suggested that it would be a “shock” if Ohtani returned to pitching at the level he has in previous years, especially given the long period of inactivity and the challenges he faces in rebuilding his arm strength. The insider noted that Ohtani’s pitching ability is a rare asset in the game, and while he continues to work hard in his recovery, the road ahead remains uncertain.

While Ohtani has shown his resilience in the past, it’s clear that his pitching career is in a precarious position. The time required for a full recovery is extensive, and it may take longer than expected for Ohtani to return to the mound. For the Dodgers, it’s essential to remain patient with his recovery and adjust their expectations accordingly.

Ohtani’s Future and the Dodgers’ Strategy

As the season progresses, the Dodgers will have to make important decisions regarding Ohtani’s role and their overall pitching strategy. Even if he’s not able to return as a full-time pitcher this year, Ohtani’s bat continues to make him one of the best hitters in baseball, and the Dodgers will undoubtedly continue to rely on his offensive contributions.

The uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s future as a two-way player also raises questions about his potential to remain with the Dodgers long-term. As he enters free agency in the coming years, many teams will be watching closely to see how Ohtani’s recovery unfolds and whether he can reclaim his status as one of the top pitchers in the game.

For Ohtani, the key will be managing his recovery process while maintaining his high level of performance at the plate. Whether or not he returns to the mound this year, his future in baseball remains incredibly bright, but for now, his pitching career is on hold.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead

In conclusion, while Shohei Ohtani’s injury and recovery have posed significant challenges for him and the Dodgers, it is important to remember that he is one of the most unique talents in MLB history. His ability to recover and continue competing at a high level will be key to his long-term success, but for the 2025 season, it seems that a return to pitching in the near future is uncertain.

As the months pass, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Ohtani can return to his dominant two-way role or if his future will be focused solely on his exceptional hitting ability. One thing is clear: the road to recovery is long, but Ohtani’s resilience and determination will undoubtedly continue to make him one of the most captivating players in the league.