Shohei Ohtani plans to throw his first bullpen this weekend as he aims to return to the mound from a one-season pitching layoff caused by elbow surgery.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have received a major update regarding Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching, and it fits right into their long-term game plan. Ohtani, who had a second major elbow surgery, hasn’t thrown a pitch since August 2023.

Shohei Ohtani was limited to a designated hitter role in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers while recovering from a second right elbow surgery, but remains on track to return to the mound this year.