Shohei Ohtani’s journey from a two-way sensation to a superstar athlete has captivated baseball fans around the world, and it seems that the next chapter in his illustrious career could come sooner than expected. After a season-ending injury to his pitching arm, Ohtani’s future as both a hitter and pitcher was up in the air, but new reports indicate that the Japanese phenom may make a remarkable return to the mound as early as May 2025.

In an exclusive update, sources close to Ohtani have revealed that the two-way star is looking “really strong” in his recovery process and is progressing ahead of schedule. After undergoing surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, Ohtani has been focused on rehab, and early indications show that he’s making significant strides. While his future as a pitcher seemed uncertain for a time, Ohtani’s recovery has surprised many and fueled optimism that he will soon reclaim his place as one of the best all-around players in the game.

 

The Dodgers’ Advantage

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been linked to Ohtani since his MLB debut, appear to be the team in the best position to reap the rewards of his return. Although Ohtani’s injury limited him to a designated hitter role in 2024, his bat remained as dangerous as ever. The Dodgers, known for their cutting-edge medical and training staff, have been reportedly closely monitoring his rehab process, with the belief that they could be in the mix for Ohtani’s pitching comeback.

It’s no secret that Ohtani’s allure stems from his ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate. With the Dodgers, he would add to an already stacked roster that includes elite pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, along with an explosive offense. Ohtani’s return to pitching would elevate an already deep staff and provide Los Angeles with one of the most dynamic rotations in baseball.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

The timetable for Ohtani’s return to the mound has been one of the most closely followed storylines of the offseason. While the typical recovery from UCL surgery often requires a lengthy rehabilitation process—sometimes upwards of 12-18 months—Ohtani’s rapid recovery has been a pleasant surprise for his medical team and the Dodgers alike. Although the exact specifics of his recovery plan have been kept somewhat private, Ohtani’s strength, mobility, and throwing mechanics appear to be on track for a May return to pitching.

There’s still uncertainty about whether Ohtani will be able to handle a full starter’s workload immediately upon his return, but reports suggest that the Dodgers are exploring a variety of ways to manage his innings and ease him back into action. One option could be a gradual buildup, with Ohtani initially serving as a bullpen option before transitioning to a starting role later in the season. This approach would allow the Dodgers to maximize Ohtani’s unique two-way talents while managing his health and workload carefully.

What This Means for Ohtani’s Future

The timing of Ohtani’s return to pitching is significant, not just for the Dodgers, but for his long-term future in MLB. The 2025 season will likely be his last before hitting free agency, and his performance in the months leading up to his return to pitching will undoubtedly impact his market value. If Ohtani can return to form as both a pitcher and hitter, the bidding for his services next offseason will likely be one of the largest and most closely watched in sports history.

For the Dodgers, acquiring Ohtani would not just be about winning in 2025, but about securing a long-term cornerstone for their franchise. A fully healthy Ohtani could be the missing piece that propels Los Angeles to yet another World Series title, and his marketability as a global icon would provide them with a massive boost off the field as well.

 

Impact on Baseball

Ohtani’s return to the mound would have a ripple effect across the league. As one of the most unique players in the history of the game, his ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level redefines the boundaries of what a modern baseball player can accomplish. A return to pitching would also open the door for more players to explore the possibility of balancing both roles, encouraging a broader discussion of how the sport can evolve in terms of player development and usage.

Baseball has never seen a talent quite like Shohei Ohtani, and his potential return to the mound is nothing short of exhilarating. Whether he’s launching home runs, striking out batters, or dazzling fans with his versatility, Ohtani remains a once-in-a-generation player, and his recovery and potential return to pitching in May could mark the next great chapter in an already remarkable career.

As the Dodgers look ahead to the 2025 season, one thing is clear: the Shohei Ohtani era is just beginning.