Shohei Ohtani continues to make history for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but despite everything he’s done on the field, the potential for more still looms.
A two-way player by trade, Ohtani has not pitched this season as he recovers from a second elbow surgery that he underwent at the end of the 2023 season.
Ohtani has progressed to throwing bullpen sessions, although minimal, and things continue to trend positively. Amid that rehab work, he’s still on the verge of becoming the first 50-50 player in MLB history as the Dodgers’ designated hitter.
But with the playoffs closing in and the Dodgers determined to bring a World Series title back to L.A., could Ohtani actually end up pitching in October?
That door isn’t totally shut, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said via Bill Plaschke of the L.A. Times:
“I wouldn’t say no way … I’m not going to close the door 100%,” he said.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes was previously asked about the possibility of Ohtani pitching in the playoffs, and he gave a very blunt no, saying there’s “no world” where that happens.
Roberts also acknowledged it isn’t likely to happen, but it’s the first sign any part of the club leadership has acknowledged it’s not out of the realm of possibilities:
“If I was scripting a movie or writing a book, it would be a no-brainer that he comes out of rehabilitation and throws the last pitch,” Roberts said. “The problem is, in reality, he hasn’t thrown a leverage pitch in over a year. If he were to come out and it does go awry, it’s not worth potential injury. You just cannot duplicate the stress of that one inning. I just don’t think it’s worth it.”
Even if the Dodgers were open to the idea of Ohtani pitching in the postseason, there’s multiple hurdles to overcome still. The right-hander needs to throw an extended bullpen session, face hitters, and continue mixing in his full arsenal.
Even if all that goes to plan, there’s no guarantee Ohtani would even be effective off the mound. Without the possibility of some late-season rehab games or appearances at the end of the regular season, Ohtani would likely deal with rust.
The potential upside with no guarantee of any effectiveness is not worth the risk of another injury. The Dodgers are best off waiting for Ohtani to return in 2025, where he remains on track to be ready for Spring Training.
Shohei Ohtani closing in on records
Ohtani set a new career high in home runs when he blasted his 47th long ball of the season on Wednesday, which previously was the 46 he hit while with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021.
Ohtani now has 218 home runs in his MLB career, which is tied with Shin-Soo Choo for the most by an Asian-born player. Ohtani is two home runs away from tying Shawn Green for the most home runs in a season by a Dodgers player.
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