Shohei Ohtani’s Return Timeline Affected: Dodgers Pause Recovery to Protect Long-Term Health of MLB’s Top Talent

The much-anticipated return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers has hit yet another setback. Initially expected to resume pitching on Opening Day 2025, Ohtani’s timeline was pushed to May, but now, even that target appears uncertain. The Dodgers are exercising extreme caution, signaling that they prioritize long-term health over rushing him back into action. While this approach is logical given Ohtani’s importance, it raises questions about how the team will manage without his contributions as a two-way player.

Dodgers Confirm Ohtani’s Setback

On March 7, 2025, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Ohtani has not thrown off a mound since February 25 and will not face live hitters until after the team returns from the Japan Series on March 18-19. This update marks a significant deviation from the original expectation that he would be ready by May, leading to concerns that his return could be pushed even further into the season.

Roberts stated, according to the Orange County Register, “We just feel that ramping up bullpens along with the intensity of games (as a designated hitter) isn’t smart. So we just want to take it slow.”

The decision suggests that the Dodgers are taking an ultra-conservative approach, allowing Ohtani’s rehabilitation to proceed at a pace dictated by his body rather than an external deadline. However, it also means that fans eagerly awaiting his return as a dominant two-way force will need to be patient.

What Led to This Delay?

Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023, preventing him from pitching during the 2024 season. Although he continued to contribute as a designated hitter, his long-term value lies in his rare ability to dominate both as a pitcher and hitter.

His recovery was further complicated when he suffered a labrum tear in his left shoulder (his non-throwing arm) during Game 2 of the 2024 World Series. That injury required additional surgery and rehabilitation, making his return even more uncertain. While the Dodgers had initially hoped for a pitching comeback by May, they are now unwilling to set a firm date, preferring to let his progress dictate the timeline.

Is Ohtani’s Health a Major Concern?

Given Ohtani’s injury history, the Dodgers’ caution is justified. This is his second Tommy John surgery, which already places a heavier burden on his long-term durability. Additionally, while his left shoulder injury does not directly impact his ability to throw, it does raise concerns about his overall ability to handle the physical toll of playing both ways in the long run.

Despite these setbacks, Ohtani remains invaluable to the Dodgers. His ability to perform as an elite hitter ensures that he is still one of the most valuable players in MLB, even if his pitching return remains delayed. The Dodgers’ front office clearly recognizes this and is unwilling to jeopardize his health by rushing him back.

How Will the Dodgers Cope Without Ohtani Pitching?

Fortunately for the Dodgers, they have one of the deepest starting rotations in baseball, which allows them to absorb the loss of Ohtani as a pitcher. Their rotation boasts an elite lineup, including:

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto

• Blake Snell

• Tyler Glasnow

• Roki Sasaki

• Tony Gonsolin

• Clayton Kershaw

This stacked rotation, featuring five Cy Young Awards among its members, gives the Dodgers the flexibility to let Ohtani return at his own pace. While his presence on the mound would be a significant boost, the team is not desperate for his pitching contributions at the moment.

Ohtani’s Value as a Designated Hitter

Even if he is not pitching, Ohtani remains a game-changer at the plate. In 2024, he had a historic season, winning his third AL MVP award while putting up staggering numbers:

• .317 batting average

• 52 home runs

• 107 RBIs

• 30 stolen bases

His offensive prowess alone makes him worth the $700 million contract he signed with the Dodgers, especially given the contract’s deferred money structure that keeps the team’s payroll flexible.

Fan Expectations and Future Outlook

While Dodgers fans are eager to see Ohtani pitch again, most understand the team’s cautious approach. The bigger picture is ensuring that Ohtani can remain effective for the long haul, rather than risking a setback by forcing him back prematurely. If everything goes according to plan, he could return to the mound by midseason or shortly after the All-Star break, giving the Dodgers a crucial weapon as they aim for another World Series title.

Until then, fans can still enjoy Ohtani’s electrifying offensive production, knowing that when he does return to the mound, he will be fully ready to dominate once again.

Conclusion

While the news of another delay in Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching is frustrating, it’s ultimately a wise decision by the Dodgers to ensure his longevity. His ability to perform as an elite designated hitter remains a major asset, and with a deep rotation, the team is well-equipped to handle his absence from the mound. As baseball’s most unique superstar, Ohtani’s health remains a top priority, and when he does return, he will be ready to prove why he remains one of the greatest talents the sport has ever seen.