Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani has yet to throw a single pitch for his newest team. That has not stopped the two-way superstar from dominating at the plate for Los Angeles, though. The Dodgers' designated hitter is well on his way to another National League MVP award. However, Los Angeles pitching coach Mark Prior gave some good news about Dave Roberts' pitcher after his latest bullpen.

Ohtani's return could be on the horizon as he and other starters, like Tyler Glasnow, get closer to filling the holes in the starting rotation.

Ohtani had Tommy John surgery back in 2023, but his recovery has been delayed multiple times. He has been throwing bullpen sessions under the watchful eyes of Roberts and Prior for the past few weeks. Ohtani's progress has encouraged coaches and teammates, prompting Prior to give an encouraging update to Medium Large Sports Network's Matthew Moreno.

“From pitch-to-pitch, he was in command the whole time today,” Prior said about Ohtani. “You were just sitting back and watching it. There wasn't a whole lot to say. He was doing whatever he wanted with the baseball, with every pitch.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Dodgers News
May 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) walks to the mound for a pitching change in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Dave Roberts’ honest admission about playing PadresMike Gianakos ·
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ben Casparius (78) throws a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
Dodgers’ Ben Casparius earns major props from Dave Roberts after surprise startBenedetto Vitale ·
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) waits next to manager Dave Roberts (30) for his turn to bat during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani gets injury update from Dave Roberts after scary slideTroy Finnegan ·
San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) hits a RBI triple during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park.
Padres’ Jackson Merrill issues dead serious take on Kike Hernandez’s pitchAlex House ·
Los Angeles Dodgers manger Dave Roberts helps Matt Sauer (64) off the field during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
Dodgers’ Matt Sauer makes blunt admission after getting rocked for 9 runs by PadresTroy Finnegan ·
Jun 20, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Kike Hernandez (8) runs to the dugout at the end of the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Kike Hernandez makes unique pitching history in blowout loss to PadresMike Gianakos ·

For pitchers coming off of Tommy John surgery, their control is the first thing they try to get back. Ohtani went a long stretch where he was not throwing breaking pitches as he got used to pitching again. Now that he has advanced to using his full arsenal in his bullpens, Roberts is closer than ever to seeing the superstar on the mound.

Ohtani, Glasnow, and Blake Snell have all been mainstays on the Dodgers' IL. They left Yoshinobu Yamamoto on his own, but Los Angeles' new ace has been able to keep the team afloat without them.

Ohtani's return would make the rich richer in the National League West. The Dodgers hold a slim lead over the San Francisco Giants at the top of the division. However, Los Angeles has not been near full strength yet this season. If Ohtani, Glasnow and the rest of the injured Dodgers can get healthy and stay on the field, a World Series repeat is entirely possible.