Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is in the midst of an all-time run, earning his third consecutive MVP Award between the American League and National League. The 2025 season was a return to his two-way capabilities after spending all of the previous season as a designated hitter.
The Dodgers’ plan of attack to get Ohtani back on the mound in a safe but timely manner was an unquestioned success. The 31-year-old didn’t throw more than 54 pitches in a single outing until his ninth start of the season. It wasn’t until his final start of the regular season that the Dodgers allowed Ohtani to throw more than five innings.
The right-hander finished the regular season with just 47 innings thrown, but the only thing the Dodgers cared about was that he was healthy and built up for the playoffs.
Getting his first full look at how Ohtani manages his two-way responsibilities, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior was in awe of how easy he made the transition between hitting and pitching look, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Clearly, it’s seamless for him,” Prior said. “I think we’ve all said it – it’s definitely a unique challenge. I think everybody at this point has said any adjective to describe the way he goes about his business. But it’s pretty impressive.
“Maybe it’s a good thing that he has the ability to disconnect, compartmentalize and go hit and do all the things he’s doing on the offensive side. Where normally as pitchers, you’re kind of ingrained with the same monotony. You can kind of get bogged down in some of the – every ache, soreness; good, bad, indifferent throw. Maybe it gives him a chance to actually be free and relaxed. But it’s still pretty impressive.
“He takes everything in stride and he’s very meticulous in what he wants to do and makes sure he puts himself in a position to accomplish that.”
Ohtani’s eagerness to follow the guidance of his coaches and the organization made the process of getting back on the mound that much easier.
Manager Dave Roberts has noted that Ohtani is the “easiest player to manage” because of the superstar’s team-first attitude.
Ohtani’s ability to make being a unicorn appear seamless is why Roberts called him the greatest baseball player of all time.
Shohei Ohtani admires Freddie Freeman
Freeman has become the elder statesman in the Dodgers clubhouse following Clayton Kershaw’s retirement this past season. The 2026 season will be the 36-year-old’s 17th MLB season and fifth with the Dodgers.
Roberts said that Freeman is a player that Ohtani admires for a variety of reasons, one of which is his work ethic.
The Dodgers’ skipper also mentioned Aaron Judge as a player Ohtani respects.
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