The Los Angeles Dodgers are eagerly anticipating Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching as he recovers from his second major elbow surgery, marking Year 2 of his landmark 10-year, $700 million contract. While Ohtani has been an offensive powerhouse early in the 2024 season, driving a league-leading 20 home runs and raising his OPS above last year’s 1.036, his ability to resume pitching duties could dramatically enhance the Dodgers’ faltering pitching rotation.

After a lengthy recovery, Ohtani made his first live batting practice appearance recently, throwing at velocities up to 97 mph. This cautious reintroduction signals that the Dodgers are looking to gradually reintegrate their two-way star without risking further injury, aiming for his comeback after the All-Star break in mid-July.

Pitching Practice Yields Encouraging Signs of Velocity and Control

During his first live session facing hitters, Ohtani demonstrated considerable arm strength despite efforts to moderate his speed, reaching 94-95 mph on his fastball with occasional peaks at 97 mph. He also threw a variety of breaking pitches, including sweepers and splitters, with one splitter notably impressing league observers for its quality.

Ohtani acknowledged that his adrenaline pushed his velocity higher than intended when facing hitters directly.

“I am aware that I do throw a little harder when there is a hitter in the box,”

he said through interpreter Will Ireton, as reported by Sonja Chen of MLB.com.

“I try to keep it 93-94, but I know I was touching ‘6 and ‘7s, which I wanted to not do. But it’s a good sign that I could hit that.”

—Shohei Ohtani, pitcher and designated hitter

The Dodgers plan to have Ohtani participate in live hitting sessions approximately once a week, using these as a form of pitching rehab rather than sending him down to the minors for a traditional tune-up.

Elite Pitching Metrics Highlight Ohtani’s Value on the Mound

Before his recent surgery, Ohtani established himself among the best pitchers in MLB. Across the 2021-2023 seasons, he ranked fourth in ERA+ (151), ninth in WHIP (1.051), third in strikeout percentage (31.4%), and third in OPS allowed (.607) among pitchers with at least 60 starts. This performance confirmed his status as an elite two-way player and raised expectations that his return will reinforce the Dodgers’ rotation.

With the Dodgers’ rotation struggling, Ohtani’s presence on the mound could be crucial in reversing the team’s recent declines and making another run at the MLB single-season win record that once seemed within reach.

Dodgers’ Pitching Staff Weathering Significant Injury Challenges

Despite entering the season with one of the deepest pitching staffs in baseball—bolstered by the high-profile additions of Rōki Sasaki and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell—the Dodgers have faced a relentless series of injuries. Shoulder injuries to Snell, Sasaki, and Tyler Glasnow have left the rotation dangerously depleted, with all three pitchers still awaiting return timelines. The bullpen, despite re-signing Clayton Kershaw and adding relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, has also been heavily impacted by injuries.

Collectively, the Dodgers’ pitchers have spent 866 days on the injured list—more than any other MLB team. Consequently, the staff has delivered just 1.5 rWAR, an exceptionally low output compared to league standards. Notably, their starters have combined for only 254.1 innings, the fewest of any team.

Amid these struggles, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has stood out as a bright spot, posting a remarkable 1.97 ERA through 11 starts and helping the Dodgers remain competitive despite pitching adversities.

Ohtani’s Return Seen as a Potential Turning Point for Dodgers

If Ohtani, along with Snell, Sasaki, Glasnow, and Yamamoto, can return to form and stay healthy, the Dodgers could transform their pitching staff into a dominant force capable of challenging for a World Series title. This revitalized mound presence could help the Dodgers improve upon their current pace, which projects to about 100 wins but fell short of early-season aspirations for a record-setting 117-win season.

Balancing Ohtani’s Pitching Return with Offensive Production

There remains uncertainty about how Ohtani’s return to pitching might affect his extraordinary offensive performance. Already, he is on track to exceed his previous best in home runs for a season, hitting 20 homers five games earlier than last year. His power display has raised expectations of a possible 60-homer season.

However, historical data from his time with the Los Angeles Angels suggests his offensive output dipped when he pitched regularly. During games he did not pitch, Ohtani averaged one home run every 12.3 at-bats compared to one every 19.9 at-bats in games he both pitched and hit. This discrepancy indicates the demanding nature of performing both roles at a high level simultaneously.

Dodgers Prioritize Pitching Depth Over Additional Offensive Boost

Despite the risk to his offensive numbers, the Dodgers recognize Ohtani’s value as a starter every sixth day outweighs the incremental improvement from a few extra home runs. Their roster already leads the National League with 87 home runs, underscoring the depth of their offensive firepower. What remains critical is bolstering the starting rotation ahead of the postseason when strong pitching becomes essential.

Ohtani’s ability to regain pitching form will also help him improve on his postseason debut in 2024, which was disrupted by a left shoulder dislocation in the World Series. Although he contributed to the Dodgers’ championship, his postseason batting line featured a modest .767 OPS and limited impact on the mound.

Ohtani’s Bat Alone Justifies His Investment

Even without pitching this year, Ohtani has demonstrated his immense value with the bat, reinforcing the Dodgers’ commitment to his $700 million contract. His current performance, combined with his status as a designated hitter, effectively costs the team about $2 million annually per current output, an extraordinary return on investment.

Looking ahead, a healthy and fully active Shohei Ohtani could be the catalyst that re-energizes the Dodgers’ pitching staff and reignites conversations about their potential to approach historic win totals once again.