Shohei Ohtani Has 'North of Zero' Chance to Pitch Before ASG, Dodgers' Roberts Says

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn't rule out the idea two-way star Shohei Ohtani returns to the pitching mound before the All-Star break.

Roberts told reporters Tuesday the odds are "north of zero," so it's not impossible.

"It's tempting," Roberts said about having Ohtani pitch. "I'm sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off for a big league game. But I think we've done a good job of just being patient. And truth be told, I don't know if anyone knows the right time to get him in a big league game. But we're still being very careful."

The three-time MVP is slowly working his way back to the role. Prior to Los Angeles' 8-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Monday night, he threw three simulated innings against batters.

One aspect unique to the 30-year-old may allow him to pitch earlier than pretty much anybody else in his position. He maintained his two-way status in the eyes of MLB for the 2025 season. Because of that, the Dodgers can basically have 14 pitchers on the active roster, one more than the allowable maximum.

If Roberts wanted, he could almost use Ohtani as an opener until he's physically ready to handle five-plus innings every outing.

And Los Angeles could certainly use the help. Eight of its starters from the 40-man roster are on the injured list, a group that includes Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Rōki Sasaki.

But Roberts won't lose sight of the bigger picture.

The Dodgers have a 1.5-game lead atop the National League West, which is pretty impressive given how much their rotation has been decimated. The organization will also be counting on Ohtani to hit and pitch for at least some portion of the eight years that are left on his contract after 2025.

Maybe Ohtani's recovery from offseason shoulder surgery wraps up earlier than expected. Otherwise, there's no need to rush the process along.