One of the most closely followed storylines of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2025 season has been the potential return of superstar two-way player Shohei Ohtani to the pitching mound.
As Ohtani continues his recovery from a second Tommy John surgery, questions have lingered about whether he would throw a single pitch this season.
On a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan offered a hopeful update – confirming that Ohtani is indeed expected to pitch before the season concludes.
“He’s not going to pitch right now, [but] he will pitch this year. This is purely a guess but I think in oder to get him built back up… to start deep in the playoffs, it seems like August is probably the right time. But the Dodgers haven’t said anything to this point,” Passan said.
While Passan emphasized that the timing is speculative and not based on any official word from the team, the revelation that Ohtani is on track to pitch this season is significant – especially as the Dodgers’ pitching staff has been hampered by injuries throughout the year.
The possibility of Ohtani returning to the mound in time for a postseason run could be a game-changer.
August, as Passan mentioned, may be the ideal window to allow the two-time MVP enough ramp-up time to contribute meaningfully down the stretch.
Though his exact return date remains uncertain, the broader news is clear: Ohtani is expected to pitch in 2025.
Ohtani, in his second season with the Dodgers, has yet to make his pitching debut with the team.
His past performance on the mound with the Angels, however, speaks volumes. Over his MLB pitching career, Ohtani holds a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA in 481.2 innings.
His most dominant campaign came in 2022, when he went 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA and racked up 219 strikeouts in 166 innings.
A healthy Ohtani could be the missing piece for a Dodgers rotation currently struggling to stay intact.
And if his return aligns with the postseason, it could dramatically boost Los Angeles’ chances of capturing another World Series title.
Until then, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely – and perhaps circling August on their calendars.
What are your thoughts on the speculation that Ohtani’s return to the mound could be right around the corner? … What should the realistic expectations be for him???
