Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the starting rotation for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 season. Manager Dave Roberts says he expects Ohtani to hit the rotation at some point in May. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Ohtani spent the 2024 season as the designated hitter.
His 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, as he became the first player in MLB history to achieve the unprecedented feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season, establishing himself as a true outlier in the annals of baseball history. This unparalleled achievement earned him unanimous recognition as the National League Most Valuable Player.
Adding to the excitement surrounding Ohtani’s return to the mound, baseball legend Barry Bonds recently shared his insights on the two-way phenom during an appearance on Foul Territory. Bonds, one of the greatest sluggers of all time, undoubtedly possesses valuable perspectives on Ohtani’s unique talents and the challenges he faces as a two-way player.
Barry Bonds Thinks Los Angeles Dodgers Star, Shohei Ohtani Shouldn’t Return To Pitching
“I think he needs to stay at DH and do what he does best,” Bonds said. “I think it’s just too much on him. I think he does and what he brings to that team right now, why change something that’s going great?
“You know I think maybe come in as a reliever. Because he is so solid, so hard throwing. He has got that great slider, splitter, everything is great. Come in throw an inning or two or something but maintain what you do well.”
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Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes emphasized that Ohtani will not be undergoing any traditional rehab assignments due to the team’s desire to maintain his presence in the lineup as the designated hitter.
“He can’t just go out on a rehab assignment,” Gomes explained on the New York Post’s “The Show” podcast. “We would lose our DH.”
Instead, the Dodgers will carefully monitor Ohtani’s progress through a series of rigorous training sessions and live batting practice sessions.
“We’re making sure we hit these boxes on the front end,” Gomes said. “We’ll build him up, and then when he’s ready to go and gone through his live BPs, then he can plug back into the rotation. But a lot of that is figuring it out along the way.”