Why is Shohei Ohtani not pitching this year? All you need to know about the Dodgers star's crucial surgery

Shohei Ohtani has been killing it a the plate this season. Being used as the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter, he has been a key source of their juggernaut offense.

He recently became the first player in history to record 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. Ohtani presence at the plate has been a reason the Dodgers will be facing off against the New York Yankees in the World Series.

However, he has not appeared on the mound this season, and will not return until the 2025 season. He is recovering from a procedure he had done on his ulnar collateral ligament.

Ohtani kept quiet about the exact nature of the surgery but ruled out it was Tommy John surgery. He had Tommy John surgery back in 2018 which was performed by Dr. Neal Elattrache.

Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to pitching in 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers - Shohei Ohtani (Photo via IMAGN)

While Shohei Ohtani has not been seen on the mound for the Dodgers this season, he still has been training. He has thrown a few bullpens throughout the season, working up his arm.

Most of his work has been done on flat ground and he and the club have been cautious. The last thing they want to do is risk further injury for next season.

The Dodgers could use all the pitching help they can get, especially with all the injuries to their rotation this season. It has been a game of musical chairs for the LA squad with pitchers going down with injuries like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.

With his return to the mound next season, there are thoughts his offensive numbers could take a hit. He has had a career year at the plate this season but that is the only side of the game he has been focusing on this season.