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5d ago

Dodgers Expect 'Full Version' of Shohei Ohtani in 2026, Prior Says

Ohtani is throwing bullpen sessions with a goal to face hitters before departing to serve as Japan's DH at the World Baseball Classic.

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TORONTO, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 01: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning in game seven of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on November 01, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) during the World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Pitching coach Mark Prior publicly projected a return to a full two-way form for Ohtani in the 2026 season.
  • Prior said Ohtani is currently throwing bullpen sessions and the club hopes he faces live hitters before the WBC.
  • Ohtani will play for Japan in the tournament only as a designated hitter and will not pitch.
  • After a 22-month layoff from MLB pitching, Ohtani returned on June 16, 2025 and logged 47 innings with a 2.87 ERA across 14 starts.
  • Despite limited mound work last year, he remained an elite hitter and won the 2025 NL MVP.