Shohei Ohtani strolled out to the outfield grass at Nationals Park on an abnormally brisk April afternoon. In his wake strode a small army of Los Angeles Dodgers coaches and staff. Ohtani, who two days prior had gone 3-for-4 with a home run and a triple, picked up a ball and began to throw.

There was talk that Ohtani could face hitters before the season started. Then he went a month without throwing a bullpen session.

Ohtani has not pitched since 2023, when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels. The two-way superstar has continued to play as a designated hitter while his arm recovers from a torn UCL. Ohtani has a career record of 38-19 on the mound and has compiled a 3.01 ERA. He finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting in 2022.