Shohei Otani Undergoes Shoulder Surgery: The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player recently had surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn ligament, which may delay his return to pitching until opening day 2025.
Gradual Return to Play Planned: Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gons stated that the team is taking a cautious approach to Otani’s recovery, focusing on a step-by-step rehabilitation process.
Hitting Status Remains Positive: Despite the shoulder surgery, Otani is expected to be ready to hit during spring training, as the surgery was on his non-dominant arm.
Complex Recovery Ahead: Otani is also recovering from a second major elbow ligament surgery, complicating his timeline for returning to the mound.
Focus on Long-Term Health: The Dodgers prioritize Otani’s gradual and safe return, ensuring he is fully prepared for the pressures of the season’s critical games.
No Definitive Timetable Set: While Otani is projected to return to pitching in 2025, the Dodgers have not established a specific timeline for his comeback.