Shohei Ohtani is gradually nearing his comeback to pitching after suffering a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, but Max Muncy emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Ohtani’s health in the process. The Los Angeles Dodgers star’s pitching return timeline remains cautious as the team focuses on his full recovery before reintegration into the rotation.
Ohtani’s Recovery Progress and Current Status
Shohei Ohtani, who last took the mound on August 23, 2023, has been steadily advancing in his rehabilitation following the ligament injury he sustained later that season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently indicated that there is little to no chance Ohtani will be back on the pitching mound before the All-Star Break, signaling a deliberate approach to his treatment.
Meanwhile, Ohtani continues to excel offensively, leading the National League with 25 home runs and maintaining a .290 batting average. His contributions include 41 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, and an impressive 1.023 OPS, making him a vital everyday presence in the Dodgers lineup despite his pitching setback.
Max Muncy Highlights Importance of Cautious Recovery
Third baseman Max Muncy recognizes Ohtani’s value both on the mound and at the plate but stresses that health should be the primary concern for the player and the organization.
We need him to be healthy. They’re moving slow, and we’re all happy about that. We, obviously, want him to be pitching, but we want him to be healthy first and foremost,
Muncy said.
When you’re doing what he’s doing, it’s so unprecedented that I don’t know if there is a proper timeline. He might be moving faster than what he should be moving right now. We don’t really know that because it’s just never really been done before.
—Max Muncy, Third Baseman
Ohtani’s Pitching Excellence and Career Achievements
Ohtani ranks among MLB’s elite pitchers when healthy, boasting a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 86 starts spanning 481.2 innings. He has limited opponents to a .200 batting average, accruing 608 strikeouts against 173 walks. His dual-threat capability as a hitter and pitcher makes him a rare and invaluable player for the Dodgers.
Since his debut in 2018, Ohtani’s accolades have been remarkable. He is a World Series champion, a three-time MVP—twice in the American League and once in the National League—four-time All-Star, and has earned three Silver Slugger Awards, underscoring his exceptional talent on both sides of the game.
Dodgers Anticipate Significant Rotation Support Upon Ohtani’s Return
The Dodgers are expected to see a meaningful boost to their pitching rotation once Ohtani fully recovers and resumes pitching duties. His presence on the mound would not only strengthen the starting staff but further enhance the team’s overall competitiveness as the season progresses.
Understanding the unprecedented nature of balancing pitching with hitting at such a high level, the Dodgers are adopting a cautious approach to avoid rushing Ohtani back prematurely. This careful management aims to maximize his long-term effectiveness and ensure he contributes to the team’s success in the months ahead.