Congratulations:He Is Actually Back To The… see… more

Los Angeles, CA – Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has officially resumed his pitching buildup, taking a significant step in his rehabilitation process. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ $700 million investment was back on the mound on Sunday, throwing his first bullpen session since February 25. The session marks a crucial milestone for Ohtani, who underwent a second Tommy John surgery in September 2023, preventing him from pitching during the 2024 MLB season.

Ohtani’s bullpen session consisted of approximately 20 pitches, a light workload meant to gradually reintroduce him to the mechanics of pitching. Reports from the Dodgers’ camp suggest that the Japanese phenom looked comfortable and showed no visible discomfort. While the team remains cautious about his return to full pitching duties, this development is a promising sign for both Ohtani and the Dodgers.

A Long Road to Recovery

Ohtani’s second Tommy John surgery forced him to shift his focus entirely to hitting for the 2024 season. Despite being unable to pitch, he has still been an elite offensive force for the Dodgers, proving his value as one of the most dynamic players in the league. However, his ultimate goal has always been to return as a two-way player, and Sunday’s bullpen session is the first tangible sign that he is on track to do just that.

The Dodgers and Ohtani have taken a conservative approach with his recovery, ensuring that he does not rush the process. Pitchers returning from a second Tommy John surgery often face an uncertain timeline, but the fact that Ohtani is already back on the mound suggests that he is making strong progress.

What’s Next for Ohtani?

While throwing a bullpen session is an exciting step, Ohtani is still months away from returning to in-game pitching. The next phases of his rehab will likely involve increasing his pitch count, introducing breaking balls into his sessions, and eventually facing live hitters. If everything goes according to plan, Ohtani could return to pitching in the 2025 MLB season.

The Dodgers are expected to monitor his progress closely, working with their medical and coaching staff to determine the best course of action. Given his importance to the team, they are unlikely to take any unnecessary risks. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Ohtani is healthy and capable of sustaining the workload of a two-way player for years to come.

Impact on the Dodgers

Even without pitching, Ohtani has been an invaluable asset to the Dodgers’ offense. He signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract in the offseason, making headlines as the most expensive free-agent signing in MLB history. Despite the pressure that comes with such a contract, Ohtani has delivered at the plate, providing power, consistency, and leadership for the Dodgers’ stacked lineup.

However, Ohtani’s true value lies in his ability to dominate both as a hitter and a pitcher. His return to the mound would significantly bolster the Dodgers’ rotation, giving them a formidable one-two punch alongside other star pitchers such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler. If Ohtani can return to his Cy Young-caliber form, the Dodgers would have a generational talent who can impact the game in a way no other player can.

League-Wide Implications

Ohtani’s return to pitching is not just significant for the Dodgers but for Major League Baseball as a whole. He has transcended the sport, becoming an international sensation and a face of baseball globally. His ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter has redefined what is possible for an athlete in the modern era.

The possibility of Ohtani returning to full two-way status in 2025 would be a major storyline for the league. If he succeeds, he will further cement his legacy as one of the greatest and most unique players in baseball history. His journey back to pitching will be closely followed by fans, analysts, and opposing teams, all of whom recognize the impact he can have on the game.

Looking Ahead

For now, Ohtani and the Dodgers will continue to take things step by step. His first bullpen session was a success, but there is still a long road ahead. The focus remains on his health and ensuring that he is fully prepared for a return to pitching in 2025.

With his talent, work ethic, and dedication, there is little doubt that Ohtani will do everything in his power to make a triumphant return to the mound. Baseball fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see history in the making once again.

As Ohtani continues his recovery, the question isn’t whether he will return to pitching—it’s when. And with each bullpen session, that answer is getting closer.

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