Shohei Ohtani Declaration Has MLB Worried

Shohei Ohtani inched closer to a potential return to the mound on Sunday, throwing a live batting practice session before the Los Angeles Dodgers took on the New York Mets.

The session marks a significant step forward in his recovery from a labrum tear in his left shoulder, sustained during last season’s World Series.

At this point, Shohei pitching is sorely needed. Kersh is done, the Cat-man is turning into a kitten, and there was once upon a time a pitcher name Roki, an then there's the rest of the useless high performance high value shelf display pitchers who we can't use
🫤
— john navarro (@johnnavarr81692) May 25, 2025

While Ohtani continues his throwing program, the two-way superstar remains active in the Dodgers’ lineup as a designated hitter – and thriving.

He’s currently batting .295 with 18 home runs, 32 RBIs and a 1.025 OPS.

Fans and teammates alike have been eagerly anticipating Ohtani’s full return, and signs are pointing to it happening soon.

“That sounds about right,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously stated when asked if May was a realistic target for Ohtani’s return to pitching.

Ohtani's stuff is just unfair, man.
— Boost (@Boostmetax) May 25, 2025

Ohtani’s injury occurred during Game 2 of last year’s World Series against the Yankees.

He tore his labrum on an awkward slide while attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning.

After landing hard on his shoulder and remaining on the ground for several moments, he was escorted off the field by trainers.

Despite the injury, Ohtani played through the remainder of the series, though visibly hampered. He finished the Fall Classic 1-for-11 with a walk and one run scored.

Mets fans saying they don’t care when their own manager was watching from the dugout 😭
— Dodgers fam (@Dodgerfam25) May 25, 2025

Soto should be their taking notes 😂💀💀
— Unbiased Yankees Fan (@JoshRosado44063) May 25, 2025

The torn labrum was in his left shoulder – his back (non-throwing) arm – something team officials said minimized the long-term concern.

“Especially because that would have been [his] throwing shoulder if it was lead shoulder,” general manager Brandon Gomes previously said of the injury.

“I think the fact that it was back shoulder, non-throwing arm and back arm for swinging, it’s just far less of a concern of how violent any of that would be as opposed to if it were the other one.”

The Dodgers have not yet announced a specific target date for Ohtani’s pitching return, but Sunday’s live session is a key indication that he may soon be ready to reclaim his spot in the rotation.

If Ohtani is able to regain his old form on the mound, do you view the Dodgers as the favorites to win the World Series once again???