Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hasn't pitched since August 2023, when he was still a member of the Los Angeles Angels. Last year, before the Dodgers' appearance in the World Series, there were news rumblings that Ohtani might get back on the mound as Los Angeles prepared to play the New York Yankees.

Shohei Ohtani plans to throw his first bullpen this weekend as he aims to return to the mound from a one-season pitching layoff caused by elbow surgery.

Ohtani says he will throw his first traditional bullpen session this weekend, at which point he will begin the process of preparing to join the Dodgers’ rotation, likely in May.