When the Los Angeles Dodger signed Shohei Ohtani to a record-setting $700 million contract, it was with an understanding he would spend the 2024 season only available as a designated hitter.
Ohtani remains on the mend from a second Tommy John surgery and is navigating a throwing program as he remains on track for a return to the mound next year. It’s possible Ohtani throws a bullpen session or faces batters in a simulated game at some point in September, but not a guarantee.
While Ohtani recently acknowledged it’s possible his rehab process has been aided by only hitting this year. However, there has been some speculation the 30-year-old would potentially play the outfield before season’s end.
During an appearance on MLB Network’s “MLB Now” with Brian Kenny, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman did not rule out Ohtani playing outfield this year but admitted it’s an unlikely scenario:
“We haven’t even gotten there. I don’t think so. Obviously, the right arm is so important, and in October or in late September, in a pennant race, I don’t think so. But I wouldn’t rule anything out. I know anything we can do to win, he’s going to be all about. That’s not to say he’s not going to be pushing us, but I don’t think we’ll go there.”
Considering the long-term contract the Dodgers signed Ohtani to, there’s little to nothing for them to gain with the two-way star going into the outfield this year.
A rash of injuries not only impacted the Dodgers’ rotation this season but the group’s outlook for next year has changed as well and made Ohtani’s ability to return to pitching in 2025 all the more imperative.
If he doesn’t get into a game by playing the field this season, one possibility is that Ohtani will work out some at first base and the outfield down the final stretch.
When Shohei Ohtani played outfield
Ohtani’s only time playing the outfield during a Major League game came with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 season. He logged 6.1 innings over six games in right field that year, and one inning in one appearance in left field.
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