One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs opening the 2025 MLB season in Tokyo, Japan, is Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is making his long-awaited return home, marking the first time in over a year that he has been back in Japan.
2024 saw Ohtani serve exclusively as the Dodgers’ designated hitter after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. His last pitching appearance came the same year with the Los Angeles Angels. With the new season set to begin, will Ohtani take the mound against the Cubs, or will his pitching debut have to wait?
Shohei Ohtani Will Not Pitch in Tokyo Series
Ohtani is not expected to pitch in either of the Dodgers’ two games against the Cubs in Tokyo. Instead, the team has named Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the Game 1 starter, with newcomer Roki Sasaki starting Game 2.
This means Ohtani’s return to the mound will be delayed further. The two-way star acknowledged the challenge ahead when he does resume pitching. Speaking about his return, Ohtani said, “I haven’t pitched in over a year, so the anxiety is bigger. It’s not going to go away. It’s not like it will go away after I pitch one game. By continuing like this, it is disappearing, and I’m no longer scared.”
When Will Ohtani Pitch Again?
Ohtani may not return to pitching until later in the season. Fortunately for the Dodgers, their deep rotation means they don’t necessarily need him to take the mound. In addition to Yamamoto and Sasaki, Los Angeles boasts a starting rotation that includes Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.
Veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw is also expected to be in the mix once he returns from injury. Unlike most pitchers coming off surgery, Ohtani will not be sent to the minor leagues for a rehab assignment. The Dodgers will monitor his progress closely, taking a cautious approach as he builds up arm strength.
Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see Ohtani pitch again, but his return must be carefully managed. If he doesn’t make it back to the mound this season, it wouldn’t be the worst outcome for the Dodgers, given their strong pitching depth. However, if he does return, both Ohtani and Dodgers fans will likely be holding their breath, considering how many injuries the team’s pitching staff endured last season.
During the 2024 postseason, Los Angeles was forced to rely on bullpen games due to a depleted rotation. Manager Dave Roberts will have to decide the right time for Ohtani to make his pitching return, but one thing is certain—it won’t be during the Tokyo Series.