Ohtani’s Uncertain Return: A Cautious Approach
When Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason, expectations were high. Initially, it was anticipated that he would be ready to pitch again by Opening Day of 2025. However, those plans have undergone multiple revisions, and now even the team is uncertain about his pitching return. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared an update at spring training, revealing that Ohtani has not thrown off a mound since Feb. 25 and will not face hitters until the team returns from its season-opening Japan Series on March 18 and 19. Roberts emphasized that the team is taking a cautious approach, wanting to "slow-play" Ohtani’s pitching program as he ramps up his hitting efforts before the season. While Ohtani is still playing catch and had a strong start as a hitter, including a home run in his first at-bat of spring training, the pitching timetable remains highly indefinite.
A Complex Journey: Injuries and Surgeries
Ohtani’s path to a pitching comeback has been fraught with challenges. Since the end of the 2023 season, when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels, he has undergone surgery to repair a torn UCL. This significant injury alone would have made his return timetable uncertain. However, the situation became even more complicated when he tore the labrum in his left, non-throwing shoulder in Game 2 of the 2024 World Series. This additional injury required another surgery and further disrupted his rehab efforts over the offseason. The complexity of these injuries and their recovery processes has made it difficult to predict when Ohtani will be ready to pitch again. The Dodgers are navigating this delicate process carefully, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate returns to the mound.
The Value of Ohtani: Beyond the Pitching
Figuring out Ohtani’s return is a delicate balance for the Dodgers, especially given his status as one of the most valuable players in baseball, even when he is a hitter only. Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes has stated that rather than have Ohtani pitch in a rehab assignment, like any other pitcher, the team will have him go straight from simulated games to an MLB mound. This decision is rooted in the team’s desire to keep Ohtani’s bat in the lineup while he recovers. Ohtani’s hitting prowess is undeniable; he is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in MLB history, where he won a World Series ring and a third MVP award after posting the league’s first 50-homer, 50-stolen base season. His presence in the lineup, along with his deferred money and advertising value, already provides significant benefits to the Dodgers, making his pitching return a secondary but still highly anticipated event.
A Resilient Rotation: The Dodgers’ Strength
Even with Ohtani as a full-time designated hitter (DH), the Dodgers still project to have one of the best rotations in baseball. Their starting lineup includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and likely Tony Gonsolin or Dustin May. This depth and quality of pitching have been crucial for the team in recent seasons, helping them navigate the unprecedented number of injuries they have faced. The Dodgers’ pitching depth is one of their greatest assets, and it provides a level of flexibility and resilience that few teams can match. Ohtani’s return to pitching will undoubtedly be a significant boost, but the team’s current rotation already sets a high standard. The Dodgers are planning to move to a six-man rotation once Ohtani is ready, capitalizing on his exceptional talent and the team’s existing strength.
Ohtani’s Pitching Potential: A Bright Future
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his return, Ohtani’s pitching potential remains a bright spot for the Dodgers. Over his career, he has maintained a
