One of the many exciting events for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025 is going to be the return of superstar Shohei Ohtani on the mound. While the defending champions added Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki this offseason, Ohtani would be one of multiple aces in the starting rotation for the Dodgers.

But as the spring carried on, Ohtani’s throwing progression came to a halt. The Dodgers and the reigning National League MVP came to an agreement that it was best Ohtani prepare solely to be the team’s designated hitter as the season began.

Now, Ohtani is throwing scheduled bullpens again but won’t face live hitters for some time. Manager Dave Roberts provided the latest update on the superstar’s pitching progression as the Dodgers continue to take a conservative approach to Ohtani’s return.

“It was a collective decision and I think he understands that the goal is to make sure he’s firing on all cylinders towards the end of the season and into October,” Roberts said. “We’re in lock step. So I don’t think there’s any sort of angst or anxiety or frustration for Shohei in that sense at all.”

The Dodgers’ starting rotation is already beginning to dwindle less than a month into the regular season. Blake Snell was placed on the injured list ahead of the team’s series against the Washington Nationals, but is expected to return relatively soon.

Since Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, and Tony Gonsolin are still not ready to pitch, the Dodgers will rely on younger pitchers to keep them afloat for the time being. Landon Knack is going to fill in for Snell while he deals with shoulder inflammation.

L.A.’s pitching depth will be put to the test early this season, but the hope is that the rotation is healthy once October rolls around.