Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Future with the Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani’s time with the Dodgers has been marked by pitching challenges. In his initial season, he did not pitch. His second season saw a delayed start until June. Currently, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts cannot confirm when Ohtani will pitch again. Roberts stated, “Don’t know yet.”

Concerns about October and postseason strategy are valid. Of the planned pitchers—Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Ohtani—only Yamamoto is actively pitching. The Dodgers must consider acquiring a reliable postseason starter.

Ohtani’s seven-year contract worth $700 million brings high expectations. Yet, celebrating his two-way abilities as envisioned might be limited. Ohtani did not pitch early on due to elbow surgery recovery. Now, irritation in his left knee presents a new challenge.

Roberts described the knee issue as “wear and tear,” with no easy fix. A recent lubricant injection offers temporary relief. The Dodgers intended for Ohtani to start but postponed his next appearance due to discomfort.

Roberts stated, “It’s not going to be a day-to-day thing.” Ohtani’s career might require careful management due to accumulated wear from years of playing.

“I think it’s a little bit, it’s just like all of us, all athletes, that kind of have wear and tear,” Roberts remarked, emphasizing the need for management.

Ohtani, now 32, aware of the situation, aimed at winning the National League Cy Young award this spring. His motivation partly stems from the uncertainty of maintaining elite performance levels.

Before the knee irritation, Ohtani’s record included a 0.74 ERA in his first 10 starts. After the issue appeared on June 10, his ERA rose to 4.38. Each start presented new challenges.

Roberts and the team are exploring whether Ohtani can endure discomfort to pitch effectively. As a hitter, his performance remains strong, evident with 11 home runs since the discomfort began. Shutting him down as a hitter is not seen as beneficial.

The injection might extend Ohtani’s pitching this season, but patience is necessary. “The first step is getting him into a spot where he feels like, and we feel like, he can pitch and not regress,” Roberts explained.

Ohtani hasn’t pitched for over two weeks. A similar waiting period could affect his playoff readiness and endurance. The team needs to consider the implications of such pauses.

Ohtani’s impact goes beyond the field. His presence affects merchandise sales, fan attendance, and international sponsorships, all contributing to the Dodgers’ global presence.

If Aaron Judge is unable to hit, the Yankees struggle, as seen during his absence. Similarly, Ohtani’s absence on the mound raises questions but doesn’t negate his hitting prowess. His continued hitting ability is vital to the team’s success.

While concerns exist, the Dodgers do not believe Ohtani’s pitching future is at risk. His contribution is measured not only by his performance but also in championships. He contributed to two World Series wins, underscoring the value of his contract.