The Los Angeles Dodgers have some decisions to make regarding their starting rotation prior to the start of the regular season, but Shohei Ohtani’s presence is not one of them.
The two-way star is expected to pitch for the Dodgers regularly this year after methodically building him up last season. Ohtani logged 67.1 innings between the regular season and postseason after making a full recovery from Tommy John surgery.
The Dodgers are much more comfortable with where Ohtani is physically compared to the beginning of last season, and they believe he’ll be able to give them a good amount of length right out of the gate, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Last year we had the plan to start from one inning to keep him with us active and playing,” Roberts said of Ohtani’s measured return from Tommy John surgery in 2023 and left shoulder surgery in 2024. “I think this year we’re certainly north of that. I don’t see how we won’t be able to get three or four innings from him in a major-league game. So that’s certainly a better jumping off point than last year.”
Ohtani did not reach the four-inning mark until his eighth start of last season.
The right-hander did not pitch in any of Team Japan’s games during the WBC, as he wasn’t able to secure an insurance policy.
Additionally, he has yet to make an appearance on the mound during Cactus League play this year, but he is expected to pitch in the game on Wednesday.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is also slated to make a final appearance in Arizona before the Dodgers return to Southern California. He was named as the Opening Day starter on Monday.
Meanwhile, there has yet to be a final decision about Ohtani’s spot in the rotation to start the season. Regardless of when he makes his first start, fans should expect to see a lot more of him on the mound for the Dodgers in 2026.
Shohei Ohtani prioritizing health Over winning Cy Young Award
Ohtani could put himself in the Cy Young Award race with less restrictions and the ability to pitch over the course of the whole season. However, the 31-year-old said his top priority is staying healthy and any individual accolades will be a bonus.
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