Shohei Ohtani Reportedly Still Months Away From Return to Pitching in Games

Shohei Ohtani, one of the most dynamic and thrilling players in Major League Baseball, has captivated fans with his extraordinary two-way talents—simultaneously excelling as both a pitcher and hitter. However, a recent update has revealed that Ohtani is still several months away from returning to pitching in games after his injury, which has caused significant concern and anticipation among fans, teammates, and MLB analysts.

In August 2023, Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ prized dual-threat, experienced an elbow injury that has since raised questions about his future as a pitcher. While he has continued to perform as a hitter, his pitching career—an essential aspect of his identity as a two-way player—has been placed in jeopardy. The nature of his injury and the timeline for recovery have been closely watched by fans, analysts, and even other teams in MLB, all of whom are wondering how this situation will impact Ohtani’s career trajectory, his ability to secure a lucrative contract in the upcoming offseason, and the future of his two-way abilities.

Before diving into the specifics of his recovery timeline, it’s important to understand the significance of Ohtani’s injury and what it means for both his present and future in the MLB. Shohei Ohtani has revolutionized the way baseball is perceived by showcasing the rare ability to pitch at an elite level while simultaneously serving as a power-hitting force in the lineup. His pitching and hitting prowess make him one of the most valuable and marketable athletes in modern sports.

Ohtani’s success on the mound has been remarkable. In 2021, he became the first player in MLB history to be selected as both a pitcher and hitter for the All-Star Game. He posted a 3.18 ERA that season with 156 strikeouts in 130.1 innings, solidifying himself as a legitimate ace while also blasting 46 home runs and driving in 100 RBIs. The two-way player was an instant sensation and won the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award that year. As a hitter, Ohtani has proven to be one of the most formidable forces in baseball, able to change the course of a game with one swing of the bat.

His injury in August 2023, however, has raised questions about whether he will ever be able to pitch at that elite level again. While he has continued to serve as a designated hitter (DH) for the Angels, his role as a pitcher has been put on hold. Given that Ohtani’s appeal lies in his unique ability to contribute both as a hitter and pitcher, any permanent damage to his pitching arm would have a profound effect on his legacy and value in free agency.

As of early 2025, reports suggest that Ohtani’s recovery from the elbow injury could take several months before he is ready to return to pitching in regular-season games. According to sources within the Angels organization, Ohtani is still undergoing rehabilitation and is not expected to be cleared for competitive pitching until the 2025 season reaches its latter stages, if at all. This means that Ohtani’s return to pitching will likely not occur until 2025 at the earliest, and the prospect of him returning as a full-time pitcher may depend on a variety of factors, including his physical recovery, his rehab progress, and his long-term health outlook.

While Ohtani has undergone surgery and is working diligently to rebuild strength in his elbow, the fact that he has not yet resumed pitching means that there are still several months of recovery and rehabilitation left. This timeline is indicative of the severity of the injury, as elbow injuries—especially for pitchers—can be notoriously difficult to overcome. The fact that Ohtani is still months away from returning to the mound speaks to the high stakes involved in his recovery process.

It is important to note that Ohtani is still able to hit, and he remains a key offensive weapon for the Angels as a designated hitter. His bat continues to be one of the most dangerous in the game, and he has posted impressive numbers in 2025, continuing to hit for power and average. However, it remains to be seen whether Ohtani will ever be able to resume his pitching duties with the same level of dominance that he displayed prior to the injury.

Ohtani’s delayed return to pitching can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost is the nature of the injury itself. Elbow injuries in pitchers are particularly concerning because the elbow is subjected to intense stress during the pitching motion. Whether it’s a ligament tear, inflammation, or another type of damage, the recovery process for these injuries can be lengthy, particularly when the individual in question needs to rely on their arm for both pitching and hitting.

In Ohtani’s case, the specific nature of his injury has not been fully disclosed to the public. However, it is widely believed that Ohtani’s injury involved damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), a common issue among pitchers that often requires Tommy John surgery. Although Ohtani did not undergo Tommy John surgery after his August 2023 injury, the lack of definitive information about the injury has left fans speculating about the severity of the problem.

Another complicating factor is Ohtani’s commitment to being a two-way player. Most pitchers in MLB specialize in one aspect of the game: either they are exclusively pitchers or exclusively hitters. However, Ohtani’s rare ability to contribute both as a pitcher and hitter means that his recovery process requires extra caution. His workload must be carefully managed to avoid further stress on his already fragile elbow, as any additional strain could delay his recovery even further.

Given Ohtani’s status as one of the most valuable players in the league, it’s in his best interest to ensure a full recovery before he returns to pitching. Rushing his comeback could jeopardize not only his career but also his long-term health, which could have severe ramifications on his ability to secure a massive contract when he enters free agency. As such, the Angels are likely taking a cautious approach to his recovery, even if it means that he will not return to pitching in games for several more months.

Ohtani’s delayed return to pitching raises important questions about his future in Major League Baseball. Specifically, his injury has major implications for his upcoming free-agent status. As one of the most highly coveted players in baseball history, Ohtani was expected to command a historic contract when he hits the open market. His ability to pitch and hit at an elite level makes him an unprecedented free-agent asset, with numerous teams across the league vying for his services.

However, his injury has cast a shadow of uncertainty over his free-agent value. If Ohtani is unable to return to pitching at a high level, his value as a two-way player diminishes significantly. Although he would still be an outstanding hitter, his ability to contribute as a pitcher has been a key element in his marketability. Teams would likely offer him a contract that reflects the uncertainty surrounding his elbow injury, potentially leading to a lower-than-expected payday.

Additionally, the timeline for Ohtani’s return to pitching could impact his contract negotiations. Teams that are in the running to sign him may be wary of committing to a long-term deal if they are uncertain about his ability to pitch. This uncertainty could lead to a smaller pool of suitors or cause teams to be more cautious in their bidding. However, the potential for Ohtani to return to pitching and return to form may still prompt some teams to offer a record-breaking contract, with the hope that he will recover fully in time for future seasons.

For Ohtani, the key to securing a lucrative deal may be his ability to convince suitors that his injury is a temporary setback rather than a long-term issue. If he can demonstrate that his recovery is on track and that he will be able to return to pitching at a high level, it’s possible that he could still command the astronomical contract that was once expected of him. However, if the injury continues to linger or if his pitching career is permanently affected, Ohtani may need to pivot his career and focus more heavily on his hitting abilities.

Ohtani’s future with the Los Angeles Angels is also uncertain. The team has shown a clear commitment to Ohtani as both a pitcher and hitter, and it is likely that they would love to see him return to the mound in 2025. However, the Angels have not been able to build a competitive roster around Ohtani in recent years, and his injury only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s direction.

If Ohtani’s recovery timeline extends further than expected, it could prompt the Angels to reconsider their long-term plans. The team could explore trading Ohtani before his free agency, especially if they feel that they are unlikely to contend for a championship in the near future. On the other hand, if Ohtani returns to form as both a hitter and pitcher, the Angels could look to build around him and re-sign him to a long-term deal.

In any case, Ohtani’s recovery process and his eventual return to pitching will have a profound effect on the direction of both his career and the Angels’ future. Whether he remains with the team or moves on to a new franchise, the coming months will be critical in determining how the next phase of Ohtani’s career unfolds.

Shohei Ohtani’s injury has been one of the most closely followed stories in Major League Baseball, and with reports indicating that he is still months away from returning to pitching in games, fans and analysts alike are left to speculate about the future of one of the sport’s brightest stars. While Ohtani has continued to impress as a hitter, his status as a two-way player remains in question. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Ohtani can recover fully from his injury and return to the mound as the dominant pitcher that he once was.

For now, Ohtani’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—his ability to return to pitching will be a defining factor in his future as a player and his value in free agency. As fans eagerly await updates, Ohtani’s journey back to full health will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling narratives in the world of baseball.