In a recent intense discussion on MLB Now, a debate unfolded around the Los Angeles Dodgers’ management of Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar signed for $700 million. The core issue questioned whether the Dodgers are fully utilizing Ohtani’s unique talents amidst cautious strategies to protect him, igniting strong opinions about the value of such a monumental investment. The talk gained momentum as Ohtani’s potential as both pitcher and hitter was pitted against the risks tied to his injury history.
The debate notably featured Red Sox legend and MLB Network analyst Kevin Millar, who strongly opposed the idea of limiting Ohtani’s pitching duties to protect him. Co-host Brian Kenny had suggested using Ohtani sparingly on the mound, even proposing he start games only briefly as an opener to preserve his health for offensive contributions. This cautious approach was met with sharp resistance from Millar, who emphasized that the Dodgers’ $700 million deal was made with the expectation that Ohtani would perform as a true two-way player.
Kevin Millar Challenges the Dodgers’ Conservative Game Plan
Kevin Millar questioned the logic of sidelining Ohtani’s pitching skills under the guise of injury prevention. He recalled how the Angels had once restricted Mike Trout from stealing bases to avoid injuries, a move he found frustrating when applied to Ohtani. Millar’s main argument was that a player of Ohtani’s caliber should be allowed to showcase his full range of abilities rather than being overly coddled, especially given the financial commitment involved.
I like your idea, I’m so sick of protecting injuries,
said Millar in reference to Kenny’s opener concept.
Yeah, but this guy’s pitching and hitting,
he stressed.
Let’s see what he can do though, BK.
—Kevin Millar, MLB Analyst
Kenny countered with reminders of Ohtani’s three missed seasons due to multiple elbow surgeries, underscoring the need for caution by stating that the Dodgers should protect Ohtani “from himself.” Millar remained firm, reiterating the expectations tied to his contract.
The $750 million [$700 million] deal that we gave him, we gave him because he’s a two-way player,
Millar said bluntly.
We didn’t give him to DH and hit 57 home runs and drive a 110 for $700 million.
—Kevin Millar, MLB Analyst
Millar argued for a balanced return to pitching duties for Ohtani. He advocated for allowing Ohtani to open games as a manageable but serious pitcher, noting Ohtani’s own eagerness to take the mound again and his involvement in game strategy discussions with manager Dave Roberts.
If he’s healthy, and Shohei’s been wanting to pitch, he’s been on Dave Roberts’ call, let’s go. Let him open. He’s even got a couple of innings before,
Millar said, clearly frustrated by what he saw as unnecessary reservation.
Kenny offered a compromise, suggesting that Ohtani could pitch between one inning to almost six depending on the day, emphasizing flexibility rather than outright restriction.
Kev, he starts, he knows the day he’s starting, and you pitch him one, one and two-thirds, and then on any given day, you can have him go six.
—Brian Kenny, Co-host MLB Now
Ohtani’s recent pitching appearances, including a stint against the Washington Nationals where he threw 18 pitches and struck out two batters, highlight both his physical readiness and the strategic dilemma facing the Dodgers. Millar’s criticism centers on whether the Dodgers are maximizing Ohtani’s extraordinary talent or simply playing it too safe despite the historic investment.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts’ Perspective on Ohtani’s Recovery and Role
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has expressed a deep admiration for Ohtani’s rare ability and ongoing progress as he returns from Tommy John surgery, admitting the challenges in defining what “fully prepared” means for such a unique player. Roberts recognizes that Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities are unlike any typical starting pitcher and praises the star’s remarkable comeback trajectory.
I don’t think anybody knows what ‘fully prepared’ looks like,
Roberts acknowledged.
Because this isn’t your typical starting pitcher.
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Ohtani’s pitching appearances are being carefully monitored, but he’s already exceeded expectations during his recovery. During a recent game against the Nationals, Ohtani struck out two batters using only 18 pitches, including 12 strikes, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level. Ohtani shared his own optimism afterward, stating,
Overall, I felt more relaxed compared to my last outing,
and,
I was able to get back into games sooner than I expected.
—Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Player
Roberts and the Dodgers appear to be walking a fine line between managing Ohtani’s health and leveraging his on-field talents. The manager notes that Ohtani’s journey doesn’t resemble the typical recovery path but is instead resetting the standards for what is possible post-surgery. Ohtani himself acknowledges ongoing areas for improvement, adding,
I still have things to work on,
but remains confident:
But I feel like I can perform even better than I used to.
—Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Player
The High Stakes for the Dodgers and Ohtani’s Future Role
With a $700 million contract on the line and Ohtani’s capabilities spanning pitching and hitting, the Dodgers face a challenging decision in balancing health management with maximizing performance. Kevin Millar’s outspoken criticism highlights a growing impatience with overly cautious use of a player whose rare talent redefines the game.
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts continues to marvel at Ohtani’s unique skill set and steady progress, while Ohtani’s own eagerness signals a readiness to take on a more substantial pitching role. The team’s approach will likely evolve as Ohtani demonstrates his durability and effectiveness on the mound.
The stakes remain high, with the baseball world watching closely to see if the Dodgers will unleash the full value of their historic investment or maintain a conservative approach that limits Ohtani’s two-way impact. How the Dodgers navigate this balance will profoundly shape the trajectory of their season and Ohtani’s legacy.