MLB Insider Reveals Recent Information Regarding Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw's Pitching Status for the Dodgers
Dodgers Firing on All Cylinders, Kershaw and Ohtani Update
The LA Dodgers are tearing up the 2025 MLB season, boasting a 19-10 record following a triumphant home game against the Miami Marlins. Despite battling several injuries, particularly to ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw, the team's depth has kept them in the driver's seat.
However, fans are eager for the return of their star players, and basketball gossip king Jon Heyman of The New York Post recently shared some exciting news regarding both Kershaw and superstar Shohei Ohtani's pitching prospects.
Heyman revealed, "Kershaw could be back May 18," apparently after observing Kershaw's impressive performance during spring training. As for Ohtani, Heyman hinted that people might need to be patient, suggesting a second-half return due to the team's current bulging bullpen.
Fattening the Purse
The Dodgers find themselves in a unique position, having claimed the World Series title in 2024 and further bolstered their squad with offseason acquisitions like Blake Snell and multiple international stars.
Ohtani hasn't pitched for the Dodgers since joining the team in the 2024 offseason, but he's already made his mark at the plate, helping secure the franchise's first World Series title since 2020 and its first one played before fans since the 1980s.
Kershaw, though no longer in his prime, can still be a valuable asset in the Dodgers' deep pitching rotation, contributing his extensive big-game experience, even if it isn't always positive.
Currently, the Dodgers aren't as formidable as some may have anticipated considering their talent-laden roster, but there's plenty of time to turn things around, especially once their pitching stars are back on the mound.
The Enrichment Details
Clayton KershawThe three-time Cy Young award winner is working his way back through a minor league rehab assignment, already pitching 6.0 innings with a 1.50 ERA and 6 strikeouts. Multiple sources suggest his return is imminent, with potential dates being:- May 17 (Marca, Angels game)[1]- May 18 (MLB insider Jon Heyman's projection)[1][3]Kershaw inked a $7.5M contract for 2025 and appears to be regaining his form, despite shoulder surgery and other injury concerns.[1][2][4]
Shohei OhtaniThough mentioned alongside Yamamoto and Sasaki as part of the Dodgers' high-profile rotation,[2] there's no confirmed timetable for Ohtani's return beyond being grouped with pitchers like Glasnow and Snell due to uncertainty about their returns.[1] As of late April 2025, there's no announced rehab schedule or IL-related updates in the available information.[1][2][5]
The Dodgers' rotation is currently grappling with the absence of a clear ace, with Yamamoto, Sasaki, and others stepping up as contenders while Kershaw recovers.[2][5]
- The Los Angeles Dodgers' chances of winning the 2025 baseball championship could significantly improve with the return of both Clayton Kershaw and Shohei Ohtani.
- The recent 2025 MLB betting odds have the Dodgers as strong contenders, but injuries to key players like Kershaw have affected their odds.
- Ohtani's performance at the plate has already been beneficial for the Dodgers, securing a significant win in the 2024 World Series, and his return to the mound could further improve their odds.
- Ohtani hasn't pitched for the Dodgers yet, but his value to the franchise extends beyond pitching due to his prowess as a hitter.
- According to reports, Kershaw's return to the mound is likely happening soon, with projected dates ranging from May 17 to May 18, which could shift the betting odds in the Dodgers' favor.
- Injuries to Kershaw and Ohtani have been a cause for concern for the Dodgers franchise, but their consistent performance and the potential returns of these two star players could make them a formidable force in sports, particularly baseball in 2025.
