Dave Roberts Provides Latest Update on Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Progression for Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave a promising update on two-way player Shohei Ohtani’s pitching progression this week.

Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery in November on his shoulder, which has delayed his return from a second elbow surgery to an unknown date.

More news: Dodgers Place Freddie Freeman on Injured List in Unfortunate Update

The Dodgers organization chose to slow-play the right-hander’s pitching progression as the team’s game schedule ramps up. Roberts said Ohtani will throw a heavy bullpen on Saturday before the team reevaluates him.

“He’ll throw a heavier bullpen on Saturday,” Roberts said. “I think we’ll go from there. There’s still many bullpens to come, but we don’t have it targeted yet, when he’s going to face hitters. We’re not there yet.”

Even when Ohtani’s pitching progression slowed down, he was still throwing the baseball. But there was a point when Roberts did not know when Ohtani would throw a bullpen so scheduled bullpens are a step in the right direction.

Injuries were a major problem for the Los Angeles pitching staff last season and remain an obstacle in 2025. So far, the Dodgers have 11 pitchers on either the 15-day or 60-day injured list. 

Ohtani has not pitched an inning since 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels. When he was healthy, the unanimous 2024 National League Most Valuable Player logged an ERA of 3.31 or lower in four of five MLB seasons.

The three-time Silver Slugger is already a significant contributor to the Dodgers’ offense as the team’s designated hitter. Ohtani slashed .310/.390/.646 and recorded 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases in his first season with the Dodgers in 2024.

Ohtani has already hit three home runs in eight games this season, including a walk-off home run on his MVP bobblehead night on Wednesday.

There is still a lot of work to be done before Ohtani will be healthy enough to contribute to Los Angeles as a pitcher. But for now, Ohtani is doing just fine at the plate.

More News: Dodgers Have Made Tons of Insane History After Improbable Undefeated Start to 2025 Season

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!