Shohei Ohtani Provides Massive Update on Shoulder, Timeline to Return to Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani did not pitch for the entirety of the 2024 season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. His pitching debut with the Dodgers is highly anticipated, especially after his National League MVP season. 

However, Ohtani injured his left shoulder while stealing a base in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. The 2024 NL All-Star played through the injury but underwent labrum surgery shortly after the World Series. Fortunately, the injury was sustained on his non-throwing shoulder.

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The recovery from the operation is not expected to interfere with the 2025 season. But, Ohtani said the organization will be patient throughout his recovery to ensure he is fully healthy before pitching.

“The goal is to be ready for Opening Day. That includes hitting and pitching,” Ohtani said. “We are kind of taking our time. Obviously we want to make sure that I’m healthy first. We’re not going to rush anything. I think, discussing my shoulder, I think we are going to take a little bit more time and be conservative and we’re going to make sure I’m healthy before I step back on the mound.”

A healthy Ohtani will bolster the Dodgers starting rotation. In his last three seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani logged ERAs below 4.00 and reach the 155-strikeout mark every year. All three seasons, Ohtani was selected for the American League All-Star team. In 2021 and 2023, he was also named the AL MVP.

Ohtani’s performance at the plate this season speaks for itself. He became the first primary designated hitter to win an MVP award in either league. The recognition also made him the second player in MLB history to win MVP in both leagues, alongside Frank Robinson (1961, 1966).

In addition to Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tony Gonsolin will return to the rotation next season. Tyler Glasnow and Dustin May are also expected to return for the 2025 campaign.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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