The Evolution of Shohei Ohtani's Pitching Journey: A Seasonal Overview
The Los Angeles Dodgers' approach to Shohei Ohtani's pitching journey in the 2025 season was a strategic one, prioritizing his health and gradual progression. Ohtani's return to pitching was a well-planned process, considering his dual role as a designated hitter and pitcher.
Last spring, Ohtani paused his throwing routine as the Dodgers prepared for the Tokyo Series, demonstrating a cautious mindset. Upon their return to the United States, he resumed bullpen sessions, showcasing his dedication to recovery and preparation.
The team's strategy involved multiple rounds of live batting practice, allowing Ohtani to gradually increase his innings. However, they discovered that this approach had its challenges, as it affected his performance as the designated hitter on the same day. As a result, the Dodgers made a crucial adjustment.
On June 16, 2025, Ohtani made his highly anticipated pitching debut in 663 days. Despite facing the San Diego Padres for only one inning, his four-seam fastball reached an impressive 100.2 mph. This marked the beginning of a deliberate plan to stretch out his starts, aiming for six to seven innings of pitching by the postseason.
Ohtani's successful rehab assignment at the Major League level was a groundbreaking achievement. His health remained intact throughout the year, and he is now a strong contender for the National League Cy Young Award. This remarkable progress positions him as a dominant force in the sport.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Ohtani is set to embrace his role as a 'normal pitcher' after his second Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers plan to remove some of the limitations he faced previously, allowing him to pitch more freely.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Ohtani's potential, suggesting that he will not be managed differently in terms of outing frequency. With a full offseason and a focus on building his endurance, Ohtani is expected to exceed his previous year's innings total.
Ohtani's early-season preparations included multiple bullpen sessions before the official workouts began. Unlike Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ohtani will not participate in the World Baseball Classic, ensuring his full focus on the Dodgers' season.
The team's plans for Ohtani's pitching schedule in the Cactus League and his regular-season debut remain under wraps. However, with Yamamoto's potential gradual return and Blake Snell's uncertain Opening Day readiness, Ohtani is likely to be slotted into the rotation during the first series of the season.
Despite the absence of the need to build up each start, Ohtani will still receive at least five days of rest between starts, a schedule that will be mirrored by Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. This approach ensures a balanced and healthy pitching rotation for the Dodgers.
