Dodgers Giving Shohei Ohtani A "Respite" As He Ramps Up As A Pitcher
2 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow, shoulder) last threw a bullpen session in camp on Feb. 25. He continues to play catch, but manager Dave Roberts said on Thursday that the team is giving Ohtani "a little respite" from ramping up as a pitcher as he ramps up as a hitter for the start of the 2025 regular season this month. The 30-year-old right-hander won't face live hitters before the team leaves for the two-game season-opening series in Tokyo, Japan, on March 18 and 19 against the Chicago Cubs, and it's to be determined on how it will impact his timeline. Ohtani didn't pitch at all in 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and then had surgery last fall on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. The Dodgers aren't rushing him at all to make his 2025 debut on the mound, which isn't expected to come until sometime in May. As a hitter, though, he should be the first player off the board in fantasy drafts.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
