Report: Shohei Ohtani could return to the mound for Dodgers in June

Shohei Ohtani could return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers before the All-Star break, and potentially as early as June, according to reports.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Sunday that Ohtani is set to pitch a simulated game in the coming days that could "potentially" be his last one.

A source told ESPN's Buster Olney that Ohtani should join the Dodgers' rotation "sooner rather than later," potentially within the week.

Ohtani has made big strides toward a return to the mound in June. On Tuesday, he threw 44 pitches over three simulated innings against minor leaguers from the Dodgers' Arizona spring complex. He's not far from making his first big league pitching appearance since Aug. 23, 2023.

"He's getting very eager, very excited," Roberts said. "I think the thought is that, given where we're at right now, anything he can give us is additive, even if it's an inning or two innings on the front end."

Ohtani's return couldn't come at a better time for Los Angeles. Starters Roki Sasaki (right shoulder), Blake Snell (left shoulder) and Tyler Glasnow (right shoulder) are all on the injured list. Sasaki was recently forced to shut down his throwing program after feeling discomfort this week. There is no timetable for his return this season.

In total, the Dodgers have 14 pitchers on the injured list -- the most in Major League Baseball.

Over his career in the majors, Ohtani is 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA in 86 career starts, all with the Los Angeles Angels. In 481 2/3 innings of work, he has compiled 608 strikeouts and 173 walks.

Ohtani had Tommy John surgery in September 2023, three months before signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.

--Field Level Media