Shohei Ohtani won the National League Most Valuable Player Award and led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a championship in 2024 — all while recovering from an internal brace procedure on his right elbow.
The elbow rehabilitation did nothing to impede Ohtani's prowess at the plate. But it limited him to designated hitter duties, as he has yet to throw his first pitch since signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in Dec. 2023.
Although Ohtani had progressed to throwing bullpens by the end of the season, he was a long way from being able to face batters in a game. A new report suggests the same will be true when the 2025 season kicks off.
As reported by Japanese outlet Hochi News, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he's targeting a May return for Ohtani.
In this interview between Dave Roberts and Hideki Kuriyama from Hochi News, the Dodgers manager reveals he doesn't plan on letting Shohei Ohtani pitch until May this coming season.
"I'll persuade him with the help of doctors and trainers." https://t.co/w2wcePghcw pic.twitter.com/vmcxE5tfgw
Ohtani had a career year as a hitter in 2024, leading the National League in home runs (54), RBIs (130), on-base percentage (.390) and slugging percentage (.646) while stealing 59 bases — the first 50-50 season in baseball history.
More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.
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