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Shohei Ohtani`s recovery is pivotal for the Dodgers as they prepare for the 2025 season.

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers` two-way star, is navigating a critical recovery phase following his second Tommy John surgery. After a historic 2024 season where he excelled as a designated hitter, Ohtani is set to return to the mound in 2025. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman has highlighted the extraordinary nature of Ohtani`s situation, calling him "the most talented player to ever play this game" due to his exceptional dual skills.

In 2024, Ohtani made headlines by becoming the first major league hitter to join the 50-50 club, smashing 54 home runs and stealing 58 bases. As the Dodgers gear up for the upcoming season, they plan to start with a five-man rotation until Ohtani`s anticipated return around May. This strategy is influenced by the team`s depth in rotation candidates and the scheduling of six off-days in April, allowing for optimal rest for starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.

The Dodgers` rotation will feature Blake Snell, Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Sasaki, and either Tony Gonsolin or Dustin May. Once Ohtani resumes pitching, the team will shift to a six-man rotation and an eight-man bullpen, leveraging Ohtani`s unique status that allows him to not count against the 13-pitcher limit. The Dodgers are committed to closely monitoring Ohtani`s recovery, emphasizing the importance of communication and feedback to ensure he can handle the demands of a major league starter.

For more insights, check out the Dodgers` rotation plans and the 2025 season preview.

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