Shohei Ohtani's recent transition from pitcher to designated hitter with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been monumental, as he captured his third MVP award in 2024. In a historic season, he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. Unfortunately, his pitching has been on hold due to Tommy John surgery following an injury that occurred on August 23, 2023. With the Dodgers in a tight race for the NL West, fans are eager to see when Ohtani will return to the mound. Currently, the Dodgers are cautiously managing his return, eyeing a potential pitching debut in the second half of the season.

Amid the uncertainty, Dodgers' ace Clayton Kershaw is set to make his 2025 season debut on May 18 following his recovery from toe surgery. His return comes at a vital time, as the Dodgers have been dealing with injuries to key pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. The burden has fallen on the bullpen, which has logged the most innings in baseball so far this season. Ohtani's dual-threat capability is critical for the Dodgers, not just for his batting prowess but also for the pitching depth he brings to the team.