Shohei Ohtani throws for the first time since his elbow surgery and prepares to return to the mound

New York, U.S. — Japanese star Shohei Ohtani took a significant step in his recovery as a pitcher this Sunday, facing hitters for the first time since his elbow surgery, in a simulated session prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets at Citi Field.

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Ohtani threw 22 pitches against five teammates, including Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing, under the watchful eye of manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior. According to Prior, the player’s fastballs reached between 94 and 97 miles per hour, complemented by breaking pitches.

In the session, which lasted approximately 10 minutes, Ohtani struck out two batters, walked one, and fielded a ground ball back to the mound. Although his return as a pitcher is scheduled for after the All-Star Game, this appearance marks a significant milestone in his rehabilitation process following a second major surgery on his right elbow, performed on September 19, 2023.

Shohei Ohtani esta calentando los motores en la lomita. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/wdM9KrJQCr

— MLB Español (@mlbespanol) May 25, 2025

Ohtani, three-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), signed a record contract of US$700 million for 10 years with the Dodgers and shone as a hitter in 2024, with a .310 average, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs and 59 stolen bases. This year, he is acting as a designated hitter, with a .302 line, 17 home runs and an OPS of 1.040, leading Major League Baseball in runs scored.

With a mark of 38-19, an effectiveness of 3.01 and 608 strikeouts in 481.2 innings during his career as a pitcher, Ohtani is poised to further strengthen a Dodgers rotation that also awaits the return of figures like Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow.

The anticipation grows for his return to the mound, which promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of the second half of the season.