Ohtani Expected to Pitch Again in May

Shohei Ohtani, who has not pitched since August 2023 due to shoulder surgery, is targeting a return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in May, according to manager Dave Roberts. Ohtani, who played exclusively as a designated hitter during the 2024 season, expressed optimism about being ready for spring training but could not specify an exact timeline for his pitching return. Roberts noted that Ohtani looks strong in his recovery, although the complexity of his shoulder surgery means he will need to assess his progress after his first bullpen session. The Dodgers have bolstered their pitching roster by signing Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, allowing for a more gradual reintegration of Ohtani into pitching duties. As he continues his rehab, Ohtani's future as a two-way player remains a topic of discussion among fans and experts alike. Barry Bonds suggested Ohtani might benefit from focusing solely on his hitting to avoid fatigue from pitching.