Shohei Ohtani is inching closer to his pitching debut with the Dodgers.
The $700 million man hasn’t thrown a competitive pitch since tearing his UCL with the Angels last August, but his Tommy John recovery is progressing steadily. On Saturday, Ohtani ramped up his bullpen session to 50 pitches — a significant jump from his previous max of 35.
#Dodgers Shohei Ohtani increased his work in his weekly bullpen session today. 50 pitches, split 25-25 in an up-down (simulated inning break). Most he has thrown in his TJ recovery. Still hasn’t thrown any breaking pitches but must be close to throwing to hitters
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 17, 2025
What’s particularly encouraging is how Ohtani structured the session. He split those 50 pitches into two simulated innings with a break in between — exactly the kind of progression you’d expect to see before facing live hitters.
The Dodgers haven’t revealed their next steps. They could have Ohtani incorporate breaking pitches in his next bullpen or move straight to facing hitters with his current pitch mix. Either way, this 50-pitch milestone represents a major checkpoint in his recovery timeline.
While fans wait for his return to the mound, Ohtani’s bat is doing plenty of damage. He launched his MLB-leading 16th homer Friday night, continuing to prove he’s one of the game’s elite hitters even while the pitching half of his two-way talent remains on hold.
That’s what makes this pitching progression so intriguing. The Dodgers already have one of baseball’s most dangerous offensive weapons. If Ohtani can return to anything close to his pre-injury form on the mound, they’ll essentially be adding an ace midseason without giving up a single prospect.
We’re likely still looking at a couple months before Ohtani toes a big league rubber, but each bullpen session brings that moment closer. The way he’s progressing, don’t be surprised to see him facing hitters in the next few weeks.
