The Los Angeles Dodgers hoped they would potentially be utilizing a six-man rotation with Shohei Ohtani at this point in the season, but that proved to be too bullish of an initial projection and not the most prudent course of action.
The one thing the Dodgers were hoping to avoid in 2025 inevitably came to be. They are 38 games into the regular season and already face a starting pitching need. After loading up on rotation help during the offseason, the Dodgers initially had the luxury to give Ohtani as much time as he needed to build up strength as a pitcher.
The losses of Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow to the injured list have negated that advantage, but that has not deterred the Dodgers from keeping Ohtani’s best interests in mind as he rehabs from a second Tommy John surgery.
That has resulted in Ohtani’s pitching timeline being pushed back significantly, according to Dylan Hernández of the L.A. Times:
This could explain why the Dodgers are taking their time with Ohtani, who isn’t expected to pitch until after the All-Star break, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking but not authorized to speak publicly.
The good news for the Dodgers is that some help is on the way with Clayton Kershaw’s return expected to come this month. Tony Gonsolin is also back in the rotation, and Snell and Glasnow are resuming their respective throwing programs.
While the wait continues for Ohtani the pitching, he is enjoying another productive season at the plate. After going through a slump earlier in the year, Ohtani has been much improved in his past 15 games.
He has hit .321/.449/.732 with four home runs, seven RBI and 13 walks during that span.
Shohei Ohtani’s weekly schedule
The Dodgers have been increasingly cautious with managing Ohtani’s pitching workload, but with good reason. Because of the value on offense that Ohtani brings, they can’t afford to risk an injury caused by a bullpen or throwing session.
Ohtani will also have build his pitch count and inning without any rehab starts, for the same reason of not losing his bat from the lineup. That has created a unique situation for Ohtani and the Dodgers, with general manager Brandon Gomes saying the team is evaluating the right-hander’s progress on a weekly basis.
He continues to throw a light bullpen session on Wednesdays follow by a traditional one every Saturday.
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