This MLB offseason seems to have flown by. Despite the free agent market moving extremely slow at times, spring training is only a few days away from getting started. Given that the Los Angeles Dodgers are the reigning World Series champions, it’s only right that they play the first game of spring training on February 20 against the Chicago Cubs.
Fans of other teams hoping that the Dodgers might regress were dealt a harsh reality this offseason. Los Angeles added Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki to their starting rotation, and Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates to their bullpen. They also re-signed some key position players and added a few others. But perhaps more important than anything could be Shohei Ohtani‘s return to the mound. On Saturday, fans got a first glimpse at Ohtani throwing a bullpen session in Dodgers gear.
Shohei Ohtani hits 94 mph in first bullpen session with Dodgers of 2025
According to reports, Ohtani’s fastball reached as high as 94 mph. That’s a far cry from his average of around 97 mph during the 2023 season, but it’s very early and Ohtani is still technically rehabbing his elbow following Tommy John surgery.
Although he’s not expected to pitch in real game action for the first few months of the season, likely until May, it’s a very positive step in the right direction for the three-time MVP winner.
In his first season with the Dodgers, Ohtani’s arm wasn’t even needed. He slugged 54 home runs and drove in 130 RBI, winning NL MVP and helping the Dodgers win the World Series. Adding his previous pitching form to the squad would simply be unfair at this point.
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