Shohei Ohtani is preparing to pitch again after nearly two years away from the mound, with his last appearance as a pitcher occurring in 2023 while with the Angels. Now 30 and currently playing for the Dodgers as a designated hitter following a second Tommy John surgery, Ohtani’s return to pitching is stirring concerns about the potential risk to his exceptional hitting abilities. The Dodgers are caught between excitement for his comeback and serious doubts about whether rushing him back to the mound might endanger their star player.
The Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, recently indicated that Ohtani could resume pitching after the All-Star break, following his initial live batting practice sessions. However, MLB analyst Steve Phillips has voiced strong warnings about the dangers involved in this plan. Phillips emphasized that Ohtani, despite his talent on the mound, is too valuable a hitter to risk possible elbow re-injury that could sideline him for an entire season.
He’s been the most protected pitcher since coming over to Major League Baseball and he broke down twice, needing Tommy John surgery,
Phillips said during an appearance on TSN’s SportsCentre.
The reality is, I don’t know if they can protect him anymore, and he’s ultimately likely going to hurt that elbow again. And if it happens in April or May, you lose him for an entire season. I can’t risk that. I’ll pay him the big money he’s getting just to be a hitter,
he added. Such warnings place significant pressure on the Dodgers to carefully consider Ohtani’s health and role moving forward.
Why Dodgers Face High Stakes in Ohtani’s Pitching Comeback
The Dodgers are already managing a roster affected by injuries, particularly among their starting pitchers, making Ohtani’s status even more critical. Phillips’ concerns highlight a genuine dilemma: a premature return to pitching could jeopardize not only Ohtani’s arm but also his batting, which remains an immense asset to the team. With Ohtani’s bat producing historic results this season, the risk of compounding injuries poses an unacceptable threat to Los Angeles’ playoff hopes.
Baseball legends and experts have weighed in on the situation, urging caution. Among them, Barry Bonds, the prolific Home Run King, publicly advised Ohtani to focus exclusively on hitting. In a pre-season interview on All the Smoke, Bonds remarked,
I just hope he stays in the hitting category because his hitting ability is off the chart.
—Barry Bonds, Former MLB Player
Ohtani’s pitching record is impressive, with Cy Young Award-level performances in the past, yet many voices echo the belief that continuing as a two-way player is fraught with danger. The Dodgers must weigh whether pushing Ohtani back to the mound is worth risking the loss of his extraordinary offensive production.
A Historic Batting Season Solidifies Ohtani’s Value as a Hitter
This year, Ohtani’s batting numbers tell a story of dominance and consistency. In 54 games, he carries a .292 batting average alongside a .394 on-base percentage and a .648 slugging percentage, resulting in an OPS of 1.042. Notably, he recently reached 20 home runs for the fifth consecutive season, marking the earliest player to hit this mark in 2025. His power and ability at the plate continue to break new ground in the sport.
In addition to home runs, Ohtani is on track to accumulate over 154 runs this season—a figure not achieved since 1930 and a chase for the 177 runs scored by Babe Ruth, which has stood as a historic benchmark for nearly a century. Such milestones underline Ohtani’s extraordinary place in today’s baseball landscape and emphasize the hundreds of runs he contributes to the Dodgers.
Behind these staggering statistics lies the ongoing preparation for his pitching comeback, creating a complex scenario. Ohtani’s success as a bat-first player compels questions about whether his return to pitching should be postponed to safeguard this historic run and ensure a longer career span.
What Lies Ahead for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers
The Dodgers face a critical choice in balancing Ohtani’s dual talents: whether to endorse a full comeback to pitching or to allow him to continue focusing solely on hitting after his recovery. With pressure mounting and voices like Steve Phillips and Barry Bonds urging a cautious approach, the team’s medical staff and management must prioritize the long-term health of their most versatile player.
Ohtani remains a rare, transcendent talent in Major League Baseball, whose decisions carry weight beyond just one team’s fortunes. His ability to impact games both on the mound and at the plate makes his role unique, but also complicates risk assessments amid recovery from major surgery. The outcome of this situation will likely influence strategies regarding two-way players and injury management in professional baseball going forward.
As the Dodgers and Ohtani approach the All-Star break, fans and analysts alike will watch closely for updates on his pitching status. The decision made now could shape both the remainder of the 2025 season and the trajectory of Ohtani’s remarkable career for years to come.