{"id":55219,"date":"2025-06-11T09:23:14","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T09:23:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=55219"},"modified":"2025-06-11T09:23:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T09:23:14","slug":"dave-roberts-reveals-optimistic-timeline-for-shohei-ohtani-to-return-to-mound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=55219","title":{"rendered":"Dave Roberts Reveals Optimistic Timeline for Shohei Ohtani to Return to Mound"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani throws live batting practice \/ Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Shohei Ohtani has been\u00a0working his way back to the mound\u00a0after not having pitched since his last season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in September of that year, Ohtani was limited to serving as the designated hitter in his first season as a Los Angeles Dodger.<\/p>\n

Well, it seems as if he could be toeing the rubber before too long, based on the latest update from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Ahead of Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres, Roberts told reporters that there’s a\u00a0“north of zero” chance that Ohtani is able to return to pitching\u00a0ahead of schedule, via Fabian Ardaya of\u00a0The Athletic<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The 30-year-old is currently expected to return to the mound after the All-Star break, but after throwing a few simulated innings on Tuesday, Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior were both impressed with his progress. While Roberts wouldn’t commit to Ohtani coming back earlier than expected, he certainly did not rule it out, either.<\/p>\n

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