Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani remains several months away from returning to the mound, manager Dave Roberts revealed Thursday. Speaking on The Jim Rome Show, Roberts acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s timeline but expressed confidence that the two-way sensation will pitch again this season and through the postseason.
Ohtani has not taken the mound since August 2023, when he suffered a UCL tear while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. Earlier this year, Roberts suggested that Ohtani could return by May, but subsequent updates in March and now April indicate that his pitching comeback remains a “ways off.”
While the Dodgers wait for Ohtani’s return as a pitcher, his offensive production has more than justified his record-breaking contract. After earning his third AL MVP award last season, Ohtani posted stellar numbers at the plate, slashing .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, helping Los Angeles capture the World Series title.
Batting is not an issue whatsoever
Through 20 games in 2025, Ohtani continues to deliver, recording six home runs, eight RBIs, and five stolen bases while batting .288. He remains on pace for another 40-home-run, 40-steal season, proving invaluable to a Dodgers team currently sitting at 14-6 and third in the NL West.
Despite the delay in his pitching return, Roberts remains optimistic, emphasizing that Ohtani’s progress is being carefully managed. “We’re just trying to get to the next step, get to the next step and see where we’re at,” he explained. “But certainly expect him to pitch for us this year and through the postseason.”
With Ohtani continuing to dominate offensively, the Dodgers have time to ease him back into dual-threat status. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see when baseball’s most electrifying talent takes the mound once again.
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