Shohei Ohtani, the baseball phenomenon who has continuously redefined the term "dual-threat" in Major League Baseball, is embarking on a rehabilitation journey following elbow surgery conducted in the fall of 2023. Accompanying this procedure, an additional surgery was performed on his non-pitching shoulder, signaling a pivotal phase in the 30-year-old's illustrious career.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani’s current team, remain cautiously optimistic about his recovery timeline. A significant marker is the upcoming opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, 2025—a homecoming event anticipated by fans and players alike. Yet, Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, has set expectations straight, stating it's "unlikely" that Ohtani will pitch during this series.
Ohtani’s Anticipated Return to Hitting
Despite the conservative approach to his pitching duties, the Dodgers are preparing for a promising start to the 2025 season with Ohtani returning to the batter's box. His offensive prowess remains as formidable as ever, evidenced by a previous season where he earned his third MVP title in four years. Ohtani posted a .310 batting average, with a .390 on-base percentage and an impressive .646 slugging percentage, driving home 130 RBIs and crossing the plate 134 times himself.
His historical achievement, becoming the first player to record a 50-50 season with MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter, underscores his generational talent. Last season's tally of 54 home runs, coupled with 38 doubles and seven triples, further cemented his offensive legacy. Ohtani also displayed remarkable versatility with 59 stolen bases and a 9.2 WAR, bolstering his case as one of the most influential players in the game.
The Dodgers' Pitching Conundrum
The Dodgers find themselves in an enviable position with their current pitching roster. Though they won the World Series with only three starting pitchers last year, the return of Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May is expected to strengthen the rotation's depth in 2025. The team is fortified by the presence of formidable arms such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell.
Planning ahead, the Dodgers are poised to manage Ohtani's pitching workload with caution. "The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload," Dave Roberts indicated, aiming for around the 150-inning mark for the regular season. This strategy not only paves the way for his recovery but also optimizes his multifaceted contributions to the team.
In 2023, Ohtani's pitching performance was notably commendable—a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA, 167 strikeouts, and a 1.06 WHIP over 132 innings highlighted his prowess on the mound. However, as the Dodgers envision a strategic comeback, the focus remains on long-term health and sustainability of their $700 million man.
Forging Ahead with Caution and Confidence
While the Dodgers' faithful eagerly await Ohtani's full return to action, the emphasis on gradual recovery and rotational depth underscores the franchise's commitment to excellence and innovation. As Japan prepares to welcome back its national superstar, albeit limited to batting, the hope is that his triumphant return will come full circle during the 2025 MLB season.
With Ohtani's dual-threat abilities intact and a franchise committed to thoughtful integration and maximum impact, the upcoming season holds great promise. The baseball world watches with bated breath, as one of the greatest talents of this generation embarks on yet another chapter in an already storied career.