In the last season that he pitched in 2023, Ohtani had a 3.13 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and a 10-5 record, helping him earn a second AL MVP. Unfortunately, his season on the mound was cut short as he underwent surgery for a UCL tear in his right elbow in September. Since then, he's been on the road to recovery.

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.

Shohei Ohtani won National League MVP and was part of the World Series championship lineup last season, but he's also been recovering from major elbow surgery since late 2023. The former two-way superstar is nearing a return to being a current two-way superstar.