Shohei Ohtani Nears Highly Anticipated Dodgers Mound Debut with Strong Simulated Game Performance in San Diego
The baseball world has been buzzing with anticipation ever since Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, began his recovery from elbow surgery last September. On Monday, Ohtani took another significant step toward his long-awaited return to the mound, throwing three simulated innings in San Diego—a crucial milestone in his rehabilitation process. The session, held at Petco Park ahead of the Dodgers’ series opener against the Padres, marked one of the most intense steps in Ohtani’s throwing program since he underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career.
Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers in December, has been exclusively serving as a designated hitter this season while gradually rebuilding his arm strength. His ability to dominate both as a pitcher and a hitter has made him one of the most electrifying players in MLB history, and his eventual return to a dual role will be a game-changer for the Dodgers’ championship aspirations. Monday’s simulated game was a clear indication that Ohtani is progressing well, though the team remains cautious about rushing him back.
Facing live hitters in a controlled environment, Ohtani threw approximately 50 pitches over three innings, mixing his fastball, slider, and splitter with encouraging command. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani’s velocity was not at full game speed, as the focus was more on mechanics and building endurance rather than max effort. Still, reports indicated that his pitches had sharp movement, and he displayed the same explosive delivery that has made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball when healthy.
“He looked really good,” Roberts told reporters after the session. “The most important thing right now is that he’s feeling healthy, his mechanics are sound, and he’s building up that stamina. Today was a big box checked off.”
Teammates who faced Ohtani in the simulated game also came away impressed. Outfielder Jason Heyward, who took at-bats against him, noted that Ohtani’s splitter—one of the most devastating pitches in baseball—already looked sharp. “Even in a setting like this, you can tell how special his stuff is,” Heyward said. “The way the ball moves, it’s just different.”
Ohtani’s rehab has been meticulously planned by the Dodgers’ medical and coaching staff. Unlike his first Tommy John surgery in 2018, which kept him off the mound for nearly two full seasons, this recovery has been more aggressive in some aspects but equally cautious in others. The Dodgers have emphasized a long-term approach, knowing that Ohtani’s value as both a pitcher and hitter is too great to risk a setback.
Pitching coach Mark Prior has been closely monitoring Ohtani’s progress, tweaking his throwing program as needed. The simulated game was a key checkpoint, but the next steps will likely include increasing pitch counts, facing more advanced hitters in extended spring training or minor league rehab assignments, and eventually ramping up to full-game intensity.
“We’re not putting a timeline on it,” Prior said. “Every pitcher recovers differently, and with someone like Shohei, we have to be extra careful. The goal is to get him back to full strength, not just for this season but for the long haul.”
When Ohtani does return to pitching, the Dodgers will instantly gain one of the most dynamic arms in baseball. Before his elbow injury in 2023, he was in the midst of another historic season, posting a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts in 132 innings while also leading the majors in home runs (44) and OPS (1.066) as a hitter. His ability to dominate on the mound and at the plate gives the Dodgers a strategic advantage few teams can match.
From a rotation perspective, Ohtani’s return would solidify an already formidable Dodgers pitching staff. With Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Walker Buehler leading the way, adding Ohtani to the mix would give Los Angeles a playoff rotation capable of matching up with any opponent. Additionally, his presence as a two-way player allows the Dodgers to carry an extra bench player or reliever, adding further flexibility to their roster construction.
Offensively, Ohtani has already been a force in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup, hitting .322 with 14 home runs and a 1.013 OPS through his first 50 games this season. While his pitching return won’t directly impact his hitting, the Dodgers will need to carefully manage his workload to ensure he remains effective in both roles.
At 29 years old, Ohtani is in the prime of his career, and his success with the Dodgers will play a huge role in defining his legacy. Already a two-time MVP and three-time All-Star, he has a chance to cement himself as one of the greatest players ever if he can lead Los Angeles to a World Series title. The Dodgers, who have been one of baseball’s most dominant regular-season teams over the past decade but have only one championship (2020) to show for it, are counting on Ohtani to help them get over the hump.
Fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the mound, and every update on his rehab draws massive attention. Monday’s simulated game was another promising sign, but the Dodgers will likely take their time before clearing him for actual game action. The team has a history of being cautious with injured stars, and with Ohtani’s contract spanning the next decade, there’s no reason to rush.
Assuming no setbacks, Ohtani could begin a minor league rehab assignment within the next few weeks, facing live hitters in a more competitive setting. The Dodgers have not publicly outlined a target date for his return, but speculation has pointed to a potential late-June or early-July comeback if all goes well.
Until then, Ohtani will continue to focus on his hitting duties while gradually increasing his pitching workload. The Dodgers have the luxury of patience, especially with their strong start to the season keeping them atop the NL West. When Ohtani does make his Dodgers mound debut, it will be one of the most anticipated moments of the MLB season—a testament to his unparalleled talent and the excitement he brings to the game.
For now, all eyes remain on his progression. Monday’s simulated game was a major step, and with each passing week, the dream of seeing Ohtani pitch and hit at his peak level grows closer to reality. The Dodgers, their fans, and baseball enthusiasts worldwide are waiting with bated breath for the day Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom, takes the mound in Dodger Blue. When that day comes, it will be must-see television—a moment that could redefine what’s possible in baseball.
