Shohei Ohtani to return to pitching rotation for Dodgers.

After nearly two years away from pitching, Shohei Ohtani will rejoin the Dodgers’ rotation “sooner rather than later,” according to team sources and manager Dave Roberts. His recovering arm seems ready to step back into action post All-Star break.

Ohtani recently completed his third simulated outing, throwing 44 pitches across three innings at Petco Park, his heaviest bullpen session since his elbow surgery. His fastball velocity climbed into the mid‑90s, with six strikeouts recorded in the session suggesting a comfort level with both velocity and pitch volume.

While manager Dave Roberts remains cautious, he acknowledges that Ohtani has surpassed key milestones, saying there's a realistic chance he'll pitch before the All‑Star break, likely in July. Ohtani himself hinted at it, responding “something like that” when asked about such a timeline. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior emphasized that once Ohtani safely handles 60–70 pitches in a simulated outing, a real game could be envisioned.

Ohtani has recovered from his second Tommy John surgery (Sept 2023) and an off-season left shoulder procedure. The organization had adopted a conservative approach, particularly given the injury history of its rotation, which includes multiple starters on the injured list. With 14 pitchers currently sidelined, Ohtani’s return is less a luxury and more a strategic necessity to bolster the staff before the playoff push.

Ohtani remains a force at the plate, batting around .291/.387/.628 with 23 homers and 39 RBIs, and already earning NL Player of the Month honors in May. His dual-threat ability—pitching and hitting—offers tremendous depth, especially for postseason versatility .

A successful return could solidify a rotation that’s struggled with injuries, adding both stability and star power right before the playoffs . Ohtani’s presence enables a possible six-man rotation, easing innings and reducing strain on the bullpen through a grueling season stretch.