Ohtani Explains Decision to Postpone 2025 Pitching Comeback

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was widely expected to begin pitching in the 2025 MLB season. However, earlier this year the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to pump the brakes on his pitching debut without further elaboration.

After a stellar 2024 season which saw Ohtani hit 54 home runs and steal 59 bases en route to becoming a World Series champion, fans were expecting him to continue his dual role in the 2025 season after he underwent elbow and shoulder surgery.

Ohtani, who is now in Tokyo, Japan with the organization in anticipation of the season opener against the Chicago Cubs, revealed the delay was due to prioritizing hitting.

Speaking through his interpreter at a press conference, he said “I wanted to prioritize the hitting aspect as we’re getting into the season. To give a little breather mentally and physically on the pitching side of things. This is according to plan, and I am quite pleased with how things have been going. Therefore, due to how things have been going to plan, it was necessary to take a breather.” 

Fans will have to wait a little bit longer to see Ohtani on the mound like he was in 2022, where he posted a 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts. However, considering his offensive output (.310 average with 197 hits), he is still a force to be reckoned with at the plate. Dodgers can afford even more patience due to their aggressive pitching additions in the offseason, allowing Ohtani ample time to recover physically and mentally.