It’s been almost two years; the mound has been missing its maestro. The noise is getting louder with every game. When will the two-way sensation, Shohei Ohtani, return? Each day, a new anticipation is added, and this time, it’s from the man in charge, Dave Roberts.
The LA Dodgers’ bullpen sessions have become a must-watch for the fans, media, and analysts. Every pitch Shotime throws during these sessions is examined and debated, generating enthusiasm for his impending return to the mound. With a lifetime ERA of 3.01 and 608 strikeouts in 481.2 innings thrown, he’s a pitcher and an ace.
So, the Dodgers are ensuring that Ohtani’s return to pitching doesn’t affect his health or the club’s long-term objectives. But fans’ eyes glimmered with hope when he threw a 35-pitch bullpen session ahead of Saturday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. And hopes… Will he pitch in next game? “I thought he threw the baseball well. Some fastballs, two-four-seam, I saw some splits. I still don’t know what the next progression is, but as of today, it was a good day for sure,” stated Dave Roberts, shattering hearts…
The precise date for Shohei Ohtani’s return to game action as a pitcher is still unknown. But the procedure is clearly being carried out with the utmost care. And that’s what Roberts has pointed out.
“It’s significant because it sort of simulates an up-down inning. To see how he comes out of it after taking, call it, five to seven minutes of rest, and to see how he responds. I’m trying to temper it, because I know that we’re being very methodical with this, clearly, but yeah, when you see the arm and see what he can do … I put my head in the place of how he can help us right now. But trying to be patient.”
Not only Roberts but also the general manager thinks the same. Brandon Gomes shared, “We have a general sense, we’ve got to make sure that he’s feeling good and we’re being smart, so we can’t lose the offensive side of it as well. … In a lot of these rehabs, you kind of set a date and work backward. I think on this one, you’re moving forward, because it’s a one-of-a-kind type of thing.”
While his pitching comeback is still in progress, his offensive contributions have been a delight. With 12 home runs, he is tied for the lead in the league; his 1.063 OPS places him fourth.
Shohei Ohtani’s comeback to the mound is about reintroducing an exceptional talent who can affect the game in several ways, not only by adding another arm to the rotation. His presence would greatly help a Dodgers rotation suffering from injuries to important pitchers, including Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.
Now, the concern is: Will he get back to where he left off? Or will this uncertainty still restrict him from playing on the mound? Opinions from the insiders’ desk say otherwise.
Shohei Ohtani’s mound mystery: Will he pitch again?
Shohei Ohtani’s possible comeback to pitching in the 2025 season has divided MLB experts. Hence, displaying both hope and wariness. Some predict a triumphant return, while others recommend a more cautious attitude given the larger consequences for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The experts and insiders have weighed in with precise observations that echo Roberts’. Others believe he is doing great as a DH, which is true, and he should become a full-time DH. Intriguing, right?
MLB expert Bob Nightengale provides a forward-looking view on Ohtani’s pitching future. He implies that Ohtani could return to the rotation in 2026. “I’d be more curious to see what happens after next year. I think he’ll be in the rotation again in 2026, then we’ll see what happens. I think his sheer love is just as a hitter. So it’ll be fascinating in a couple years if he gives up pitching, what do you do? Do they put him in the outfield? Obviously, a great athlete, probably would be a waste as a full-time DH…”
Conversely, MLB insider Jake Mintz underlines the strategic implications of using Ohtani as a pitcher in the postseason. “There’s a compelling argument that utilizing Ohtani, the pitcher, in the postseason represents an unnecessary risk.” He explains that although supporters would love to watch Ohtani pitch in high-stakes contests, given the injury-prone role it is, the last two surgeries make Ohtani even more vulnerable. He is recovering with a restricted pitching capacity. And if injury woes hit Shotime, LA will lose their star DH, too.
These observations highlight the delicate balance the Dodgers must maintain between utilizing Ohtani’s unique talents and ensuring the entire team’s success. The club has important choices about Ohtani’s role as the season progresses, taking care of the thrill he offers as a two-way player against the strategic needs of postseason performance.
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