In an offseason where everything has seemed to come up favorably for the Los Angeles Dodgers, it’s no surprise that the team has also received a nice benefit with Shohei Ohtani.

The decision is partly a matter of comfort, with Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto accustomed to pitching essentially once a week dating back to their time in Japan. It also factored prominently, the Dodgers believe, into their ability to land phenom Roki Sasaki this winter — like his countrymen, Sasaki is used to pitching on a once-per-week schedule.

Shohei Ohtani is ready to begin his pitching comeback, and the Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander said Wednesday that he will throw a bullpen session this weekend. Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023 while still with the Los Angeles Angels.