Shohei Ohtani Faces Hitters at Dodger Stadium for Live Batting Practice in New Video

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani took another step toward returning to the pitcher's mound by facing hitters in live batting practice at Dodger Stadium prior to his team's home game against the New York Yankees, per The Dodgers Bleed Los Podcast Network.

This was his second live BP session, per the Associated Press, and he threw 29 pitches over 25 minutes. His first live BP session occurred last week in New York, when the Dodgers were in town to face the Mets.

Ohtani hasn't pitched since the 2023 season, when he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA over 23 starts across 132.0 innings (167 strikeouts) for the Los Angeles Angels. Unfortunately, Ohtani suffered a UCL tear in his right elbow, and he underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023, ending his season. He also underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 after his rookie season.

The second Tommy John surgery didn't stop him from having one of the best offensive seasons in baseball history in 2024, when he posted the first-ever 50-50 campaign (54 home runs and 59 stolen bases) en route to leading the Dodgers to a World Series title.

The three-time MVP is also shining this year, and he leads the majors with 22 home runs and 61 runs in just 55 games.

But a return to the mound could be on the horizon. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave his thoughts on Ohtani's performance.

There's obviously a long way to go before Ohtani faces hitters in a major league game, but there's no doubt he took another important step Saturday.