Shohei Ohtani, fresh off a remarkable 50-50 performance during his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, is drawing attention as he approaches his pitching return. Despite excelling at the plate once again, Ohtani’s comeback as a pitcher has no confirmed timeline, prompting caution from notable figures, including former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.
In a conversation with Derek Jeter and Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz, Rodriguez expressed reservations about the risks surrounding Ohtani’s pitching comeback. He emphasized the potential fallout should Ohtani get injured, which could exacerbate an already strained pitching staff.
“His talent’s off the charts, but if Ohtani gets hurt and makes it 15 pitchers on the IL, the season’s over. So, for me, the risk and reward are not there.”
—Alex Rodriguez, Former MVP and MLB Analyst
Rodriguez also pointed to Ohtani’s previous surgeries, including two Tommy John procedures and a shoulder injury sustained during the World Series, as reasons for caution in rushing the Japanese phenom back to pitching duties prematurely.
“He’s not a finesse pitcher. He’s a power pitcher, fastball, tight slider split. He’s already had two Tommy John surgeries. He had a separate shoulder injury in the World Series. I wouldn’t let that lie. I would have a whole offseason and spring training to set him up physically, emotionally and mentally.”
—Alex Rodriguez, Former MVP and MLB Analyst
Progress Towards Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Comeback
While Ohtani has not been assigned a specific pitching return date, his preparations are advancing steadily. The reigning National League MVP recently threw against live hitters as part of his rehabilitation, a significant step toward resuming his pitching role with the Dodgers.
His most recent batting practice session against the New York Yankees marked his second time facing live hitters this year. Prior to that, Ohtani had thrown 22 pitches to live batters during a simulated game last weekend. Manager Dave Roberts remarked positively on Ohtani’s progress during these controlled outings at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.
“He’s just using his entire arsenal, also with today doing the up-down, he’s certainly well beyond where he was in spring (training).”
—Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers Manager
Despite Rodriguez’s concerns, Ohtani continues to impress offensively, maintaining the hitting prowess that earned him multiple MVP titles. His ongoing offensive dominance adds optimism for the Dodgers’ campaign while his pitching recovery remains under close watch.
What Shohei Ohtani’s Return Could Mean For the Dodgers
The anticipation around Ohtani’s pitching return reflects a broader balancing act between maximizing his extraordinary talents and preserving his health following significant injuries. The Dodgers stand to gain tremendously from Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities on both the mound and at bat, but the risk of re-injury remains a critical consideration for management and fans alike.
As Ohtani continues progressing through his recovery, the Dodgers are likely to monitor his workload carefully, ensuring he receives the physical and mental preparation necessary for a successful, sustainable return. The decisions made in the coming weeks will play a significant role in the Dodgers’ hopes for contending in the 2024 season and beyond.