Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is preparing to make his highly anticipated return as a two-way player this season, but the exact timeline for his pitching comeback remains uncertain.
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is preparing to make his highly anticipated return as a two-way player this season, but the exact timeline for his pitching comeback remains uncertain. Despite the lack of clarity, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has set a target for Ohtani to make between 18-20 starts this year, which would be considered a successful outcome for the team.
“We would bank that right now,” Roberts said, highlighting the Dodgers’ cautious optimism about Ohtani’s workload as they navigate uncharted territory with his unique s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁set.
Handling a two-way player of Ohtani’s caliber is unprecedented in modern baseball, and pitching coach Mark Prior acknowledged the challenges involved.
“It’s been one of those things where … we’re having to lean on him a lot,” Prior explained. “We don’t really have this template or road map or even experience really dealing with a guy with a two-way situation. So we’re leaning on him, on how he’s feeling. I know they’re trying to control overall workload management with his left shoulder, coming back from that (surgery). The hitting, getting ready for the season – clearly, he’s an important part of our offensive side of the ball.”
Ohtani, who underwent surgery on his right elbow in 2023, has not thrown a bullpen session since February 25. However, he is scheduled to have his first bullpen session since then on Saturday, March 30.
Dodgers Take a Cautious Approach to Ohtani’s Pitching Progression
The Dodgers have been careful with Ohtani’s recovery, opting to slow down his pitching progression to allow him to focus on hitting as the season gets underway. Roberts revealed that it was a “mutual decision” to pause Ohtani’s throwing regimen during spring training.
“We just felt that to intensify the bullpens alongside of the intensity of the games (as DH) wasn’t smart, so we just wanted to kind of slow-play it,” Roberts explained.
Ohtani Prioritizing Hitting to Start the Season
Earlier this month, Ohtani confirmed that there had been no setbacks in his recovery and emphasized his desire to focus on hitting at the beginning of the season.
“I wanted to prioritize the hitting aspect as we’re getting into the season, to get a little breather mentally and physically on the pitching side of things,” Ohtani said through his interpreter before the Tokyo Series in Japan. “This is according to plan and I’m quite pleased with how things are going.”
Dodgers Hoping for Smooth Transition Back to the Mound
While Ohtani remains focused on contributing offensively as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, the organization is hopeful that he will gradually ease back into pitching duties. Roberts and Prior have reiterated that Ohtani’s workload will be closely monitored, and the ultimate goal is to ensure that he remains healthy and effective in both roles throughout the season.
