Shohei Ohtani Shows Encouraging Progress With Dodgers Despite No Set Timetable for Return to Pitching Following Elbow Surgery Recovery
Shohei Ohtani continues to be a unique force in Major League Baseball, even while limited to only one aspect of his two-way dominance. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar has no set timetable to return to the mound as a pitcher, but all signs out of the Dodgers’ clubhouse and medical reports suggest that his recovery from elbow surgery is going as smoothly as could be hoped. For a player whose name has become synonymous with modern-day baseball excellence, the slow, methodical process of rehabilitation is being treated with patience — and for good reason.
After undergoing his second significant elbow procedure last September, Ohtani was ruled out of pitching for the entire 2024 season. The plan was always to focus on his hitting in the short term while allowing his surgically repaired elbow to heal properly for a longer-term return to pitching. Though the Dodgers, Ohtani’s doctors, and Ohtani himself have remained noncommittal about exactly when that return will come, updates have been positive. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently stated that Ohtani is “making great progress,” even if he is still a long way from stepping back on the mound.
For fans of Ohtani and the Dodgers alike, this development is both reassuring and inspiring. The Dodgers are fortunate to have a deep pitching rotation that has performed admirably this season, allowing them to be careful with Ohtani’s throwing program. As Ohtani gradually increases his throwing distance and intensity during bullpen sessions, there’s a sense of careful optimism about what the future may hold. He may not pitch this season, but his long-term impact on the mound still looms large.
Since signing a record-shattering $700 million deal with the Dodgers — a contract that deferred most of its value to provide payroll flexibility — Ohtani has already proven his value with his bat. His offensive performance remains elite, reminding everyone why he’s considered the best player in the game. At the plate, he’s continuing to hit for both average and power, maintaining a slugging percentage that ranks among the best in baseball while providing clutch hits and daily highlights. But the other half of his baseball brilliance — his ability to dominate on the mound — remains on hold, waiting for the all-clear from his medical team.
The situation underscores the fragility and physical demands of being a two-way player at the highest level of the sport. Ohtani’s case is virtually unprecedented in modern baseball history. The closest comparisons belong to Babe Ruth, whose two-way contributions never occurred concurrently over an extended period as Ohtani’s have. But while Ruth gave up pitching early in his Yankees tenure, Ohtani is determined to return to full two-way status. His commitment to excellence in both disciplines is part of what has made him so beloved, not just in Los Angeles or Japan, but across the baseball world.
When the Dodgers signed Ohtani in December 2023, they were making a long-term investment. It was well understood that the immediate returns on the pitching side wouldn’t come until at least 2025, but the team was willing to make that sacrifice. Already, they’re seeing how valuable he is even in a one-way role. The Dodgers’ offense is one of the most potent in baseball, thanks in no small part to Ohtani’s contributions, and he has quickly become a face of the franchise alongside Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Roberts has stressed that Ohtani’s rehab timeline remains fluid, dictated entirely by his comfort and progress rather than any external deadlines. “We’re not rushing anything,” Roberts said in a recent interview. “He’s doing everything he needs to do, and he’s doing it well. But this is a long-term process. It’s about making sure he’s ready not just to pitch, but to pitch at the level we all know he’s capable of.”
That level is incredibly high. When healthy, Ohtani’s pitching arsenal includes a fastball that touches triple digits, a wipeout splitter, and a devastating slider. In his last full season on the mound in 2022, he struck out 219 batters in 166 innings and posted a 2.33 ERA. In 2023, before being shut down due to the torn UCL in his right elbow, he was again dominant, striking out 167 batters in 132 innings and posting a 3.14 ERA. Those numbers would be impressive for any pitcher — but for someone who also slugged 44 home runs that same year, they’re almost unimaginable.
Returning to that level of pitching dominance will require not just physical recovery, but mechanical consistency and confidence. That’s why Ohtani and the Dodgers are being extremely cautious. Throwing programs at this stage typically begin with short distances and light intensity, gradually increasing to full bullpen sessions, live batting practice, and eventually rehab games. At each stage, there are checkpoints to ensure the elbow is responding well. So far, there have been no setbacks.
It’s also a testament to Ohtani’s work ethic and professionalism. Known for his discipline and intense daily routine, Ohtani has approached his rehab with the same level of detail he brings to his in-game performance. Dodgers trainers and coaching staff have praised his commitment to every element of the process — from strength and conditioning to nutrition and mental preparation.
That mental aspect shouldn’t be overlooked. Pitchers returning from elbow surgery — whether Tommy John or internal brace procedures — often deal with more than just the physical side of recovery. Confidence in one’s own arm, trust in mechanics, and the willingness to push through early discomforts all play a part. For Ohtani, who has already undergone a previous Tommy John procedure in 2018, this journey is somewhat familiar. But familiarity doesn’t necessarily make it easier. It does, however, provide perspective and a deeper understanding of what it takes to come back stronger.
While Ohtani’s throwing updates draw headlines, his presence around the team has been another major asset. By all accounts, he has integrated seamlessly into the Dodgers’ clubhouse. His teammates respect him not only for his talent but for his humility and preparation. Betts, in particular, has spoken glowingly of Ohtani’s impact, noting how the Japanese star’s quiet leadership and daily excellence raise the bar for everyone around him.
There’s also the commercial aspect of Ohtani’s presence, which cannot be ignored. The Dodgers’ brand has always been global, but Ohtani has amplified that to new heights. His every move is followed by fans in the United States and abroad, particularly in Japan, where he remains a national hero. Dodger Stadium has become a cultural hub during home games, filled with fans wearing Ohtani jerseys, holding signs, and traveling from all over the world to catch a glimpse of him in action. Even as a designated hitter only, he remains a must-watch attraction.
The hope is that in 2025, that attraction will be doubled once again — at the plate and on the mound. But for now, the Dodgers are content with the present. They have one of the best lineups in baseball, a dominant bullpen, and a front office that has built a roster capable of contending for a World Series title. Ohtani’s bat is doing damage. His arm can wait. When the time comes, the baseball world will be watching closely.
For fans, Ohtani’s story is already one of resilience and ambition. He has continually challenged the norms of professional baseball, refusing to be defined by the limits others have placed on two-way players. If his current trajectory continues, and his arm returns to form, his comeback will serve as yet another chapter in one of the most remarkable careers the game has ever seen.
Until then, the focus remains on progress — steady, deliberate, and without unnecessary pressure. And that may be exactly what Ohtani needs to come back even better than before. For now, Dodgers fans will have to be satisfied with his excellence at the plate. But if all goes according to plan, the best of Shohei Ohtani — on both sides of the game — is still to come.
