Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Hints Mound Return Could Come Before ASG, 'Something Like That'

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said earlier this week that Shohei Ohtani's chances of returning to the mound before the All-Star Game were "north of zero," and Ohtani supported that statement on Saturday.

When asked whether there's a chance he could make his return to the mound before the All-Star Game, the two-way star answered "something like that," per The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya.

Ohtani took a big step toward his mount return earlier this week, throwing 44 pitches over three simulated innings from Petco Park in San Diego.

Once he is back on the mound, because he has the two-way player designation, Ohtani would not count toward the Dodgers' 13-pitcher limit. That means he can start a few innings on the mound before another pitcher replaces him. That scenario would give him ample time to get accustomed to pitching in real games while allowing the Dodgers not to sacrifice much in terms of production.

"It's tempting," Roberts said. "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."

While Ohtani's return could still be a ways away since there's still a month before the All-Star Game, the Dodgers will be more than relieved to have him in the rotation. Los Angeles' rotation has been hit hard by injuries early this year, with Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Rōki Sasaki among the eight starters currently on the injured list.

The last time Ohtani pitched, during the 2023 season, he recorded a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and had a 10-5 record. He's contributing more than enough on offense this season with a .290 batting average, 25 homers and 41 RBI, but his arm will be a welcome addition once he's back on the mound.