The superstar of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani, is gearing up for a critical phase in his recovery from injury, as he is scheduled to throw live batting practice. This marks a notable milestone since it will be his first encounter with hitters since the end of the 2023 season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed the press, including reporter Deesha Thosar, that Ohtani would engage in this practice session on Saturday prior to the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. This practice could signify Ohtani’s progress following significant elbow surgery undertaken in late 2023.

Previously, Ohtani successfully pitched out of the bullpen with a 35-pitch session last Saturday. Facing hitters merely one week later is encouraging and indicative of his rehabilitation’s effectiveness.

Despite missing the entire preceding season while recuperating, his remarkable performance as the Dodgers’ designated hitter secured him the National League MVP award. In 2025, Ohtani is performing exceptionally well on offense.

Nonetheless, the Dodgers have yet to provide a projected timeline for his return to pitching. Initially, a May comeback seemed plausible, but that now appears uncertain. Furthermore, Ohtani underwent offseason surgery on his non-pitching shoulder to address a labrum tear sustained during a stolen-base attempt in the 2024 World Series.

Ohtani, now 30, has made 86 pitching appearances in MLB, posting a 3.01 ERA and a notable strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.51. His next pitching appearance will mark a return after signing a ten-year free-agent contract with the Dodgers before the 2024 season.

The Dodgers have faced challenges with injuries in their pitching rotation this season, making Ohtani’s eventual return especially critical as they hold a record of 31-19, securing first place in the NL West.