The crack of the bat has long been the soundtrack of Shohei Ohtani’s historic career, but on Friday morning at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring training complex, it was the pop of the catcher’s mitt that signaled a new chapter. Ohtani took the mound for a 27-pitch session, officially marking the beginning of the Shohei Ohtani two-way return to Major League Baseball as a pitcher and a hitter.
A Significant Milestone in Glendale
After a 2024 season where he redefined offensive excellence by becoming the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, Ohtani is now focused on reclaiming his status as the game's premier dual-threat. The 27-pitch bullpen session was more than just a warm-up; it was a statement of intent. Following a second major elbow procedure that kept him off the mound for the entirety of the Dodgers' championship run last year, Ohtani looked fluid and controlled during his Friday workout in Glendale, Arizona.
The session took place at the Dodgers' sprawling facility, serving as a centerpiece for the start of spring training. While Ohtani has been throwing throughout the offseason as part of his meticulously planned rehabilitation program, this organized mound session signifies the ramp-up toward live game action. For the Dodgers organization and their fans, seeing their $700 million superstar back in his pitching element is the final piece of a championship puzzle that already looks formidable.
Prioritizing Health Over the Long Haul
In his comments following the session, Ohtani was clear about his primary objective for the upcoming campaign: longevity. “Being healthy the whole year” is the mantra for the Japanese superstar as he navigates the most demanding workload in professional sports. After the rigors of a rehabilitation year, the focus has shifted from mere recovery to sustained, elite performance over a 162-game stretch.
The Shohei Ohtani two-way return requires a delicate balance of workload management that few players in history have ever attempted. The Dodgers’ training staff will undoubtedly monitor his pitch counts, recovery times, and exit velocities with extreme precision. Ohtani’s ability to navigate a full schedule while contributing both in the starting rotation and at the top of the batting order remains a feat of athletic endurance. By prioritizing health, Ohtani aims to avoid the mid-season fatigue or setbacks that have occasionally hampered his pitching availability in previous years.
The Hunt for the Cy Young Award
While Ohtani has already collected multiple MVP awards and is a perennial favorite for every offensive honor in the book, one prestigious trophy remains missing from his mantle: the Cy Young Award. Despite his dominance on the mound, Ohtani has yet to be named the best pitcher in his league, largely due to the innings-limit constraints inherent in a two-way role. However, entering the 2025-2026 cycle, his ambitions have reached a new peak.
Ohtani’s desire to win a Cy Young reflects his competitive nature and his belief that he can be the best pure pitcher in the National League. To achieve this, he will likely need to reach several key milestones:
- Maintain a consistent spot in a Dodgers' rotation that may utilize a six-man structure.
- Exceed the 150-inning threshold to remain competitive in the eyes of the voters.
- Continue to refine his elite pitch mix, which includes a devastating sweeper and a high-velocity four-seam fastball.
What This Means for the Los Angeles Dodgers
The implications of a healthy, pitching Ohtani are staggering for the National League. Adding an ace-level arm to a rotation that already features high-end talent transforms Los Angeles from a powerhouse into a nearly unstoppable force. During the 2024 season, the Dodgers managed to secure a World Series title with Ohtani serving exclusively as a designated hitter. The prospect of him contributing 15 or more wins on the mound while still hitting 40+ home runs is a scenario that keeps opposing managers awake at night.
As spring training progresses, the baseball world will be fixated on Ohtani’s recovery and his velocity in live batting practice sessions. If Friday’s 27-pitch session is any indication, the Dodgers are about to unleash the most complete version of Shohei Ohtani yet. The journey toward a Cy Young and a potential repeat World Series ring has officially begun in the desert.
Sources & Original Reporting
