When will Shohei Ohtani pitch again? Dodgers star takes big step toward getting back on mound with live BP

Shohei Ohtani's return to pitching might not be imminent, but it certainly isn't all that far away, either.

The Dodgers great is expected to get back to his arbalest-like ways in due time, firing home triple-digit efforts into the catcher's waiting grasp before long.

On Sunday, Ohtani's resurgence as a hurler resurfaced. The star slugger and speedster (in more ways than one) made major progress in his recovery, sending bolts toward a trio of Dodgers hitters.

The results? Check them out for yourself. Here's what you need to know about Ohtani, his health, and a potential timeline for his return to painting corners of the strike zone.

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When will Shohei Ohtani pitch again?

In February, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Ohtani would be back on the mound sometime in May.

That hasn't materialized thus far, as Ohtani dealt 26 pitches during a bullpen session back in April. Since then, his throwing arm has remained noticeably quiet. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported in April that the Dodgers are just hoping to "get Ohtani ready for the postseason."

On Sunday, Ohtani took a major step forward in his efforts to get back to his pitching best. The dual-threat star emerged from the Citi Field bullpen, glove in hand, during live batting practice, delivering bows toward a trio of Los Angeles hitters — utility man Hyeseong Kim, catching prospect Dalton Rushing, and communication coach JT Watkins.

Shohei Ohtani threw Live BP today. 👀 pic.twitter.com/HDxM1OOqDQ

Ohtani threw 22 pitches over five plate appearances. He coaxed Kim into a groundout before whiffing Watkins, a 35-year-old former minor leaguer, and Rushing, the Dodgers' top prospect.

Kim then ripped a liner down the right-field line, a ball that likely would've resulted in a double. Ever the showman, Ohtani jokingly asked Los Angeles right fielder Teoscar Hernandez if he would've been able to retrieve the unruly effort.

He finished his day with a five-pitch walk to Watkins, trotting off the mound seemingly content with his showing. The outing represents his first test against live batters since he exited an Angels' matchup vs. the Reds with elbow discomfort.

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Shohei Ohtani timeline since injury

Aug. 2, 2023 — Ohtani goes down with torn UCL

Ohtani, then a member of the Halos, exited an end-of-summer clash with Cincinnati after 1 1/3 innings of work because of elbow discomfort. A closer examination revealed that Ohtani suffered a torn UCL. He was ruled out as a pitcher for the remainder of the season, as well as all of 2024, after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Dec. 2023 — Ohtani inks record deal with Dodgers

Ohtani authored up another historic campaign in 2023, claiming his second AL MVP in the process. He received his just rewards in the offseason, signing 10-year, $700 million contract to stay in Tinseltown — albeit in Dodger blue, not Angels red.

Ohtani's deal features an "unprecedented" wrinkle in the form of deferments. $680 million of Ohtani's contract will defer until after 2034, the year his deal expires.

Sept. 19, 2024 — Ohtani goes 50-50

Ohtani founded the "50-50 Club" on Sept. 19, launching three home runs and tallying two stolen bases in a historic victory vs. the Marlins. He finished the campaign with 54 home runs, 59 steals, 130 RBIs, and a .310 batting average. Ohtani was awarded his third MVP upon the conclusion of the year.

Oct. 26, 2024 — Ohtani injures labrum

In Game 2 of the World Series vs. the Yankees, Ohtani injured his left shoulder while attempting to swipe a base. He played through the ailment for the remainder of the series, but it was soon revealed that he tore his left labrum during the play. He summarily underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the issue.

Nov. 1, 2024 — Ohtani wins first championship

With a 7-6 win over the Yanks in Game 6, the Dodgers were crowned World Series champions for the second time in five seasons.

Ohtani wasn't all that productive — he posted a paltry .385 OPS across 23 Fall Classic plate appearances. Nevertheless, he had finally broken the seal for postseason success. More appears on his horizon.

April 2025 — Ohtani tosses 26 pitches in bullpen session

Ohtani formally got back on the mound in April, tossing darts toward a catcher for the first time since his injury.

May 25, 2025 — Ohtani pitches to live batters

Ohtani took the next step on his path towards full recovery on Sunday, throwing live batting practice with a trio of Los Angeles personnel — Hyeseong Kim, Dalton Rushing, and coach JT Watkins.

Rushing and Watkins were set down on strikes while Kim ripped a liner to right field that likely would've been a hit.

Shohei Ohtani pitching stats

Although the majority of Ohtani's accolades have come from his contributions from the batter's box, he's also been one of the game's best pitchers when he's healthy. In each season from 2021-23, he logged at least 130 innings, 150 strikeouts and an ERA under 3.20. In 2022, he finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting. 

Here's a look at Ohtani's pitching numbers since joining MLB in 2018, with all of his stats on the mound being in an Angels uniform: