Amid Shohei Ohtani’s historic offensive season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the intrigue of him pitching in October still lingers.
Ohtani has yet to pitch in 2024 as he rehabs from elbow surgery he underwent late last year. While there was no expectation Ohtani would pitch this season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently opened the door for that possibility.
As Ohtani continues to throw bullpen sessions, the Dodgers planned to meet with him to determine next steps. While that could have potentially included a discussion on the playoffs, Roberts downplayed that, noting the meeting is focused on a return in 2025.
The meeting was expected to happen when the Dodgers returned from their road trip, but it has still not taken place. Roberts also reiterated it’s more focused on Ohtani’s rehab than the possibility of a postseason pitching appearance.
“But like I said, I just don’t see it happening,” Roberts added of Ohtani appearing in the playoffs. “It’s very unlikely. But the meeting is going to happen kind of for Shohei to kind of figure out the plan of action over the next week or two, which is needed.”
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes previously shut down the idea of Ohtani returning this season, saying there’s “no world” where that happens.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman also put some water on the fire, declaring Ohtani isn’t an option to pitch for the Dodgers in the playoffs.
Ohtani’s last time on the mound was Aug. 23, 2023, when he pitched just 1.1 scoreless innings before leaving with the right elbow injury that ultimately required surgery.
Considering their investment into him with his 10-year contract, the Dodgers are surely going to be cautious with Ohtani, despite their World Series expectations in 2024 and need for pitching.
Shohei Ohtani pitching against batters
As part of their meeting, the Dodgers will also determine when Ohtani will start to face hitters. Even though it’s not focused on the postseason, the Dodgers view it as beneficial for Ohtani heading into 2025.
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