Shohei Ohtani Set to Return to the Mound in 2025: What It Means for the Dodgers

MLB Rumors: Shohei Ohtani Set to Return to the Mound in 2025: What It Means for the Dodgers

All is right in the baseball world as fans prepare to witness superstar Shohei Ohtani return to the mound in 2025.

Dodgers Bolster Pitching Staff, but Ohtani's Return Draws the Most Buzz

Fresh off their World Series victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a busy offseason, making significant improvements to an already elite roster. With the additions of Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott, the Dodgers’ pitching staff is stronger than ever. However, the most anticipated arm in the rotation belongs to none other than Shohei Ohtani.

In his first season with the Dodgers, Ohtani was limited to designated hitter duties—but he thrived in the role. He captured the National League MVP award with a stellar .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases in 2024.

Now fully recovered from injury, Ohtani is set to resume his role as a two-way star, returning to the mound as a starting pitcher while continuing to serve as the team’s DH. While there is some risk involved given his past arm injuries, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts appears more than willing to take that chance.

Dodgers' Dave Roberts Has High Expectations for Shohei Ohtani as a Pitcher

Heading into the offseason, there were questions about whether Ohtani would pitch again in 2025, even if he was fully healthy. The Dodgers’ stacked rotation—including key offseason acquisitions and the return of veteran ace Clayton Kershaw—would be elite even without Ohtani.

However, when healthy, Ohtani is a Cy Young-caliber pitcher. He boasts a career record of 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts in 86 starts. Given his dominance on the mound, it’s no surprise that Roberts is eager to see him back in action.

Ohtani has dealt with multiple arm injuries throughout his career, and he has openly stated that if he suffers another, he will likely focus solely on hitting. While he is already an offensive powerhouse, the Dodgers invested $700 million in him for both his bat and his arm. It’s clear that Roberts wants to maximize that value in 2025.

According to Andrés Soto of MLB.com, Roberts expects Ohtani to make 18 to 20 starts this season. While this is an exciting prospect for Dodgers fans, it also comes with significant risk. If Roberts pushes Ohtani too hard, another injury could permanently end his pitching career.

Can Ohtani Stay Healthy as a Two-Way Superstar?

The 2025 season will be a defining one for Ohtani’s future as a two-way player. If he remains healthy and delivers elite performances on both sides of the ball, the Dodgers could be in an even stronger position to repeat as World Series champions. But if another arm injury arises, Ohtani may have to make a career-altering decision.

For now, though, fans can look forward to seeing baseball’s biggest superstar do what no one else in the game can—dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher.