The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2025 MLB season strong, winning their first eight games—an early statement that they’re serious about defending their World Series title. And now, a recent report suggests Shohei Ohtani could play a key role in that championship pursuit.
According to Ken Rosenthal on MLB on FOX, the Dodgers are preparing Ohtani to potentially pitch in the postseason, where he could become the team’s go-to starter ahead of other top arms in the rotation.
“Let’s not forget about Shohei Ohtani,” Rosenthal said. “He threw a 25-pitch bullpen session today before the game. No wrecking balls, mixing in splitters. The Dodgers are being ‘intentionally deliberate’ with his process, coming off a second major elbow surgery. The goal is to get Ohtani ready for the postseason.”
Rosenthal added that the Dodgers may prioritize Shohei Ohtani over other elite starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell. The preference, according to the report, would be to have their No. 17 lead the charge in October as they attempt to defend the title they won last year against the Yankees.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 04: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a single with first base coach Chris Woodward #84 in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
When was the last time Shohei Ohtani pitched?
Ohtani last pitched in 2023 while still with the Angels. That season, he started 23 games and finished with a 3.14 ERA across 132 innings, posting a 10–5 record. It was another standout year on the mound for the two-way star, who never had a losing season as a starting pitcher during his time with the Angels. The only exception was his rookie year in 2020, when he went 0–2 in just two starts while still adjusting to MLB competition.
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Why hasn’t Ohtani pitched for the Dodgers yet?
Ohtani’s absence from the mound is primarily due to multiple elbow surgeries. The Dodgers have taken a careful, step-by-step approach to his recovery. In the meantime, Ohtani continues to deliver as a hitter—last season he logged 731 plate appearances, smashed 54 home runs, and hit for a .390 batting average.
