Shohei Ohtani is set to make a highly anticipated return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, reigniting hopes for a dual-threat performance that could secure his second National League MVP this season. Despite lingering injury concerns and a cautious ramp-up after two UCL surgeries, the Dodgers are relying on Ohtani’s pitching prowess amid a critical divisional fight and a $102 million payroll hit from widespread player injuries.
Dodgers announce Ohtani’s pitching comeback amid tight division race
The Dodgers, holding a narrow two-game lead in the National League West over the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres, abruptly announced Ohtani’s pitching return ahead of their Monday home game against the Padres at Dodger Stadium. The 30-year-old star, who has battled setbacks since his second UCL repair, was originally not expected to pitch again until after the All-Star break. However, the Dodgers’ bullpen struggles and the urgency of their playoff positioning expedited Ohtani’s comeback.
Los Angeles enters the matchup with a 43-29 record while the Padres stand at 39-31, reflecting the intensity of their divisional competition. Fans quickly responded to the news, causing ticket prices to surge, with secondary market prices nearly doubling for the upcoming game.
Injury challenges leave Dodgers searching for pitching depth
The Dodgers’ pitching roster is severely depleted, with a staggering 14 pitchers placed on the injured list, including notable arms Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. The cumulative cost of this injured talent amounts to roughly $102 million in payroll, exceeding the total roster salaries of six MLB teams combined. This massive shortfall has left the Dodgers scrambling for reliable pitching as they defend their World Series title.
In response, Ohtani is expected to pitch just one inning in a “piggy-back” system, where he will hand the mound over to a reliever to ease him back into full pitching duties. This measured approach aims to gradually restore his dual-role capabilities and add much-needed stability to a struggling bullpen.
Fan reactions highlight excitement and concern over Ohtani’s return
The announcement sparked a mix of excitement and apprehension among fans. Many expressed joy about finally seeing Ohtani pitch again after months of limited field action. One enthusiastic supporter tweeted,
“We’ve been waiting for the 2-way star to play both sides for too long now,”
while another shared,
“Tomorrow ticket prices all of a sudden,”
illustrating the spike in demand. A third fan simply posted,
“Wow! At Last!! Go Shohei!!!!”
However, concerns about the risk of rushing Ohtani’s recovery were also evident. Some followers voiced their caution, with one tweeting,
“Super happy but also nervous,”
and another adding,
“It would be the very ‘On Job Training!’”
A few fans even admitted they would be watching with mixed feelings, as one commented,
“I will be hate watching tomorrow,”
revealing the tension around the Dodgers’ decision.
Ohtani’s offensive brilliance amplifies Dodgers’ championship hopes
While Ohtani’s pitching return carries inherent risks, his offensive performance this season has been extraordinary. He is currently leading the league with 25 home runs, while maintaining a .297 batting average, a slugging percentage of .642, and an OPS of 1.034. Additionally, he tops the MLB in runs scored (73) and total bases (179), demonstrating his immense value as a hitter in complement to his pitching skills.
Despite these MVP-level numbers, the Dodgers lag behind several American League teams, including the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees, in overall MLB standings. A strong pitching contribution from Ohtani could elevate the Dodgers’ position and solidify his MVP candidacy for a second consecutive year.
Ohtani’s pitching credentials and cautious manager outlook
Ohtani’s pitching resume is formidable; he holds a career 38-19 win-loss record with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts over 481 2/3 innings pitched. His last start as a pitcher was on August 28, 2023, with the Los Angeles Angels before joining the Dodgers.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Ohtani’s readiness, stating,
“He’s ready to pitch in a major league game,”
underscoring the club’s belief in his ability to contribute effectively despite long-term recovery concerns. Ohtani is known for his durability as a four-time All-Star and three-time MVP winner, with consistent top-10 WAR performances as a pitcher.
High stakes surround $700 million contract and Dodgers’ title aspirations
Ohtani is playing under an unprecedented contract valued at $700 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in baseball history, though this was eventually surpassed by Juan Soto’s $765 million deal with the New York Mets. The Dodgers’ significant investment in Ohtani reflects expectations that he will deliver on both pitching and hitting fronts to propel the team deep into the postseason.
The pressure to balance Ohtani’s health with immediate team needs captures the delicate situation Dodgers face while trying to maintain their lead in the highly competitive National League West. His successful return to the mound could prove pivotal in their quest for another championship run.