As the 2025 season unfolds, anticipation builds around Ohtani’s recovery. Fans and analysts alike are dissecting every detail of his rehabilitation, but the Dodgers are clear: this isn’t about rushing him back. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized that the team’s focus is on Ohtani’s long-term health, stating, “This is about the next 10 years, not just the next 10 starts.”

The Dodgers’ strategy involves a gradual buildup, with Ohtani currently engaged in a meticulously monitored throwing program. While he’s not yet throwing at full speed, he is thriving as a hitter, showcasing elite performance at the plate. This delay in pitching allows him to hone his offensive skills, leaving opposing pitchers on edge.

The Dodgers are considering a phased return for Ohtani, potentially easing him back through low-leverage situations or as an opener, meticulously tracking his arm health without the burden of a starter’s schedule. As baseball’s landscape evolves with analytics and biomechanics, how the Dodgers manage Ohtani’s comeback could redefine superstar load management across the league.

Fans are rallying behind the decision, recognizing that for Ohtani to lead the Dodgers to a World Series, he must be at 100%, not 85%. As he continues to dominate at the plate and trust the recovery process, the baseball world eagerly awaits the moment he returns to the mound—an event that promises to be nothing short of historic. With Ohtani 2.0 on the horizon, the Dodgers are proving that greatness takes time, and playing it smart is the name of the game.