Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update: Dodgers Halt Rehab, Return Timeline Pushed Back

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant decision regarding Shohei Ohtani’s pitching future, pausing his rehab process and delaying his return to the mound. The two-way superstar, who underwent his second elbow surgery last year, was initially expected to resume pitching in 2025, but recent developments have cast uncertainty on that timeline.

Dodgers Put Ohtani’s Rehab on Hold

According to team sources, the Dodgers medical staff and Ohtani’s camp have opted to take a more cautious approach to his recovery. While the decision is not believed to be due to a setback, the organization is prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return.

Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers this past offseason, remains fully available as a hitter. However, his highly anticipated return to the mound could now be furtherdown the road than initially expected.

Updated Return Timeline

The original plan had Ohtani easing into a throwing program this season, with a goal of reintroducing him to pitching duties in 2025. Now, with the rehab pause, that timeline is uncertain, and some within the organization speculate that a 2026 return might be more realistic.

Given that Ohtani has already undergone two elbow procedures—his first Tommy John surgery in 2018 and his latest in 2023—the Dodgers want to ensure he avoids any unnecessary risks. The decision aligns with modern player recovery strategies, which emphasize long-term durability over aggressive timelines.

Impact on the Dodgers and Ohtani

While this update delays Ohtani’s two-way dominance, the Dodgers still benefit from his elite offensive presence in their lineup. In 2023, Ohtani won his second AL MVP award after hitting .304 with 44 home runs and a 1.066 OPS. Even as a full-time designated hitter, he remains one of the most dangerous bats in the game.

For the Dodgers, the move reflects their deep roster flexibility. With a strong starting rotation that includes stars like Walker Buehler, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, they can afford to be patient with Ohtani’s return to pitching.

What’s Next?

While Ohtani continues to focus on his offensive production, fans will be closely monitoring any updates on his throwing program. The Dodgers have yet to provide a revised official target date for his pitching return, but it’s clear that they are in no rush.

For now, Ohtani remains a key piece of the Dodgers’ World Series aspirations—just in a different capacity than originally expected. His two-way impact may be on hold, but his bat alone keeps him among baseball’s elite.