Ohtani nears return to Dodgers' pitching rotation

Shohei Ohtani is progressing toward a return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers after recovering from multiple surgeries. During spring training, he threw a successful bullpen session, reaching fastball speeds of 92 to 94 mph, which is promising for his return to the mound. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that while Ohtani will not pitch in the regular-season opener in Japan, the team hopes he could face hitters in simulated games before that trip. Ohtani's two-way capabilities as both a hitter and a pitcher are seen as critical to the Dodgers' success, especially after their 2024 World Series win. The Dodgers have a strong pitching roster, allowing them to manage Ohtani's return without rushing him into games. Overall, his rehabilitation is on track, and his presence is expected to significantly enhance the team's competitiveness in the upcoming season.