Ohtani, who signed a $700 million contract with the Dodgers in the 2023-24 offseason, didn't pitch in his first year with the club after having elbow surgery in September 2023. But he became the first player in baseball history to hit 50 home runs with 50 stolen bases, winning his third career MVP award.

Speaking at the team's FanFest, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated the reigning NL MVP will make his return as a pitcher in May, responding "sounds about right" when asked about Ohtani pitching in that month, per The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya.