The Los Angeles Dodgers may soon witness a groundbreaking moment as Shohei Ohtani signals a possible return to pitching during the 2024 season. Known for his historic achievements, including a 50 home run and 50 stolen base campaign that earned him MVP honors and a championship, Ohtani has yet to pitch for the Dodgers this year, making the prospect of his pitching comeback a highly anticipated event. His potential reappearance on the mound is generating enthusiasm among fans eager to see the dual-threat star contribute in multiple ways.
Growing Excitement Amid Dodgers’ Pitching Challenges
Facing injuries among key pitchers, the Dodgers are looking toward Ohtani to strengthen their rotation. When questioned about returning to pitch before the All-Star break, Ohtani responded playfully through his interpreter, Will Ireton, saying, “What do you think?” followed by a shrug and the words, “Something like that.” This ambiguous response has fueled speculation as the team and supporters eagerly await confirmation of his mound comeback.
Encouraging Signs from Ohtani’s Recent Preparations
Ohtani’s recent performance hints at readiness to pitch again. After a strong showing at the plate with two home runs in an 11-5 win against the San Francisco Giants, he shared thoughts on his pitching progress.
I think it has a lot to do with pitch counts, but with the last live BP, I felt like the intensity was there and my stuff was game-ready,
Ohtani remarked, indicating growing confidence in his pitching stamina and form. During a recent batting practice, he threw 44 pitches against minor league hitters, demonstrating the skill that has made him a sensation in baseball.
Pitching coach Mark Prior praised Ohtani’s control and command during these sessions:
He was doing whatever he wanted with the baseball, with every pitch he wanted to,
Prior said, highlighting the pitcher’s dominance over simulated innings. This endorsement adds weight to the belief that Ohtani’s return to pitching could be imminent and impactful.
Ohtani’s Continued Offensive Excellence
While the baseball world awaits Ohtani’s pitching return, his contributions with the bat remain outstanding. Maintaining a .290 batting average and a .385 on-base percentage, he boasts an impressive 1.023 OPS and leads the National League with 25 home runs. These statistics illustrate his pivotal role as a hitter, even as speculation increases about his dual role wearing a Dodgers uniform.
Implications for the Dodgers’ Championship Aspirations
As the Dodgers enter the second half of the season, the possibility of Shohei Ohtani pitching emerges as a compelling factor in their pursuit of another title. His rare talent to excel as both a hitter and pitcher adds strategic depth and excitement to the team’s lineup. How his return to the mound will influence the Dodgers’ chances remains a buzzing topic among baseball fans and analysts alike, promising to shape a defining chapter in an already remarkable career.