Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is having another MVP-caliber season as a designated hitter, creeping towards 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases as a designated hitter. But could the two-way sensation return to the mound before the season ends?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts seemed open to the idea of Ohtani returning to pitch in the playoffs, but hesitant at the potential risks. Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in 2023 that kept him off the pitching mound until 2025, although he has been able to return to the field as a batter this season.
“I wouldn’t say no way … I’m not going to close the door 100%,” Roberts said on Wednesday about the possibility of Ohtani pitching this postseason, per Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times.
Roberts acknowledged that it would be something of a Hollywood ending. “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,” he said.
Realistically, though, Ohtani is still working up to that point.
“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,” Roberts said. “I just don’t think it’s worth it.”
As recently as May, Ohtani was showing off his arm as his rehabilitation continues. He has been slowly building up distance and speed in the year since the surgery, but is still likely to hold off on pitching until 2025.
It also helps that the Dodgers don’t need his pitching help right now: With 16 games left in the regular season, the Dodgers are 87-59 and are likely to win the NL West. Next up for the Dodgers is a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves, where Ohtani will continue chasing his home run milestone.
