Video: Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Throws Off Mound for 1st Time Since Elbow Surgery

Shohei Ohtani's outstanding season has distracted from the fact that he's been off the mound since August of last year, but the Los Angeles Dodgers star is taking big steps in making his return to pitching.

On Saturday, Ohtani threw off the mound for the first time since his elbow surgery last September.

In the last season he pitched in 2023, Ohtani had 167 strikeouts, a 3.14 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 23 appearances, posting a 10-5 record. He last stepped on the mound in August of 2023, undergoing surgery to repair a UCL tear shortly after.

He is expected to pitch once again in 2025, but in the meantime, he's been electric as a hitter in his first season with the Dodgers.

He has the second-most homers in the majors with 40 along with 92 RBI and a .292 batting average. On Friday, he became a member of the coveted 40-40 club when he collected his 40th stolen base and 40th home run, which was a walk-off grand slam.

Ohtani has long surpassed his career high in steals, and now he's just six home runs away from his career high in homers. With more than 30 games left to play this year, Ohtani will only add to his already impressive numbers.

Before too much longer, Ohtani will be lighting it up on the mound as well as the plate.