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Shohei Ohtani Explains Why Dodgers Halted His Pitching Progress

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brook Smith | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 2:30 PM ET

At this point, it seems like everyone in baseball is ready to see Shohei Ohtani on the mound again. NL pitchers are probably hoping it will make his bat less potent than in 2024, but that seems unlikely.

But whether you root for the Los Angeles Dodgers or any other team in baseball, you have to admit, watching Ohtani toe the rubber after digging into the batter's box is fun.

Ohtani last pitched with the Los Angeles Angels back in 2023. He underwent his second Tommy John surgery that September and has been working his way back ever since. He signed his massive free agent deal with the Dodgers in 2023 and was able to focus on hitting last season.

It paid off in a big way. Ohtani slashed a ridiculous .310/.390/.646 and posted the first 50/50 season in MLB history. And Dodgers fans are ready to finally see what he can do with a ball in his hand.

Unfortunately, that pitching debut will have to wait. Ohtani threw a handful of bullpens this Spring before the Dodgers ultimately halted his progress. He explained to The OC Register's Bill Plunkett in Japan why that decision was made (quoted through an interpreter).

I wanted to prioritize the hitting aspect as we’re getting into the season, to get a little breather mentally and physically on the pitching side of things. This is according to plan and I’m quite pleased with how things are going.

The Dodgers can undoubtedly afford the luxury of not rushing Ohtani to the mound. Not only do they already have five starting pitchers ready to go on Opening Day, but they have a surplus of big-league starters chomping at the bit.

So, while Dodgers fans might be anxious to see it happen, don't expect Shohei to throw 100 mph at Chavez Ravine too soon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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