Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Nears July Pitching Return After Elbow Surgery

Shohei Ohtani is progressing steadily toward returning as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, having recently completed a three-inning simulated game throwing 44 pitches. Despite this significant step, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has emphasized patience, indicating the chances of Ohtani pitching in a game before the 2025 All-Star break are very low. Ohtani, who last pitched in August 2023 before undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, is expected to rejoin the rotation in July, with the Dodgers utilizing their two-way player designation to manage his workload initially through shorter outings. The team faces a pitching crisis with numerous starters on the injured list, increasing the urgency for Ohtani's return even as the medical staff, led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, continues to monitor his recovery closely. Ohtani remains a dominant hitter, leading the National League in home runs and RBIs, and his return to the mound is highly anticipated by fans and the league. The Dodgers are cautiously optimistic about his comeback, balancing the team's needs with the careful management of his health and pitching volume.