Shohei Ohtani: Back to the Mound with the Dodgers
Glendale, Arizona – Japanese star Shohei Ohtani has returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers camp and could take the mound before the end of Spring Training.
Ohtani’s return is earlier than expected, after his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with the Japanese national team, where his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Venezuela. This early reincorporation gives him the opportunity to intensify his preparation as a pitcher.
During his absence, the player kept his arm active with bullpen sessions and live pitching practices, including a recent four-inning simulated outing. According to manager Dave Roberts, the team is confident that Ohtani can pitch in the coming days or, at the latest, during the Freeway Series against the Angels.
Initially, the Dodgers did not expect Ohtani to pitch during the Cactus League due to his participation with Japan. However, his anticipated return opens the possibility of seeing him in action before the start of the regular season.
The team also expects the player to have a greater workload from the start of the season, unlike last year, when he started with limited outings after his rehabilitation process. It is expected that he can work between three and four innings per start, which represents a significant advance in his recovery.
The return of Ohtani reinforces the Dodgers’ expectations of aiming for a new championship, with the player’s focus now fully centered on the Major League season.
