Sun Apr 13 03:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Ohtani Progresses in Bullpen Session, Return to Mound Still Distant
**Los Angeles, CA** – Shohei Ohtani continued his recovery from elbow and shoulder surgeries with a successful bullpen session on Saturday. The two-way star threw approximately 30 pitches, focusing on his fastball and splitter, reaching velocities of 90-92 mph. Manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with Ohtani’s command and velocity, noting that the team aims to maintain his speed around 90 mph.
While a return to the mound remains some time away, this session marks another step in Ohtani’s carefully planned progression. His next steps will involve incorporating his slider into bullpen sessions, followed by up-and-down bullpen sessions, and finally, facing live hitters. Roberts emphasized that the timeline remains flexible, stating, “So we still got a long time.”
Ohtani’s initial return target of May was pushed back to prioritize his hitting at the start of the season. The team remains committed to managing his workload to ensure his health and peak performance as both a hitter and pitcher for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. The recent injury to pitcher Blake Snell hasn’t altered the Dodgers’ cautious approach to Ohtani’s recovery. Roberts reiterated that Ohtani’s health is the top priority.
First Piper 