The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for another postseason run, their 12th consecutive appearance. However, manager Dave Roberts is facing a significant obstacle as the Dodgers’ latest superstar, Shohei Ohtani, is unlikely to pitch in October, despite hopes that he might return to the mound.
Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers in a blockbuster move, is set to make his postseason debut. While his offensive skills will be on full display, his pitching availability remains in doubt. The 30-year-old underwent elbow surgery in September 2023 and, although there’s been chatter about a potential return to pitching, many believe it’s too soon.
USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale told Doug McKain that there’s “no chance” Ohtani will pitch in October. Nightengale cited Ohtani’s recent surgery and the financial investment the Dodgers have made in the two-way star as reasons for caution. He added that the logistical challenges of having Ohtani both hit and pitch in a high-stakes situation might be too complicated to manage.
“There’s just too much at risk,” Nightengale explained. “He’s barely 12 months removed from surgery. Logistically, it would be a nightmare. What happens if he’s at-bat in the eighth inning and you need him to pitch? It doesn’t work without warmup time.”
While Ohtani has proven to be a game-changer when healthy, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed the team isn’t even considering him pitching at this point.
“We aren’t even thinking about that right now,” Friedman said. “He’s just barely a year out from Tommy John. This is like January for him in terms of his recovery.”
The Dodgers have struggled with injuries to their pitching staff, and while Ohtani’s presence would have been a game-changer on the mound, it appears he’ll only be available as a hitter. Still, with his power and offensive prowess, Ohtani remains a critical part of L.A.’s championship hopes, though the team will have to find a solution for their dwindling pitching depth.
As the Dodgers look to avoid another October disappointment, they will have to rely on their remaining arms — unless Ohtani, known for defying the odds, manages to surprise everyone once again.
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