Shohei Ohtani, the undisputed powerhouse of Major League Baseball, is on the steady path to recovery following his elbow surgery in the fall of 2023. In addition to the elbow procedure, Ohtani also underwent surgery on his non-pitching shoulder, putting him on the road to reclaiming both his hitting and pitching prowess for the Los Angeles Dodgers by the commencement of the 2025 MLB season.
At 30 years of age, Ohtani stands as a testament to resilience and consistent excellence. With an extraordinary performance last season, he claimed his third MVP title in four years, a feat that has secured his reputation as one of baseball’s modern greats. Ohtani's stats tell the story: a .310 batting average coupled with a .390 on-base percentage and an imposing .646 slugging percentage. His power at the plate was undeniable, smashing 38 doubles, seven triples, and launching a remarkable 54 home runs.
Beyond just his batting power, Ohtani's all-around talent shone brightly, with 130 RBIs, 134 runs, and a dazzling 59 stolen bases, culminating in a 9.2 WAR. Notably, Ohtani etched his name in the history books by being the first player to achieve a 50-50 season, earning MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter. This multifaceted skill set makes the $700 million deal he brokered with the Dodgers appear not just justified, but perhaps a foresight of continued dominance.
Dodgers’ Expectations and Rotation Plans
As Ohtani recovers, the Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for the start of the 2025 season with fortified talent and strategic planning. Despite the impressive accolades, the Dodgers are cautiously optimistic about Ohtani's pitching return. Manager Dave Roberts has made it clear: "It's 'unlikely' that Ohtani will pitch during the Dodgers' opening series in Japan," scheduled for March 18 and 19 of 2025. Instead, the focus will be on having Ohtani ready to hit from the onset.
The Dodgers’ rotation for the season looks promising, featuring new faces like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell. Helping to anchor this formidable lineup are returning pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, whose presence is expected to bolster the depth of the squad. Notably, the Dodgers clinched the World Series last year with a mere trio of starting pitchers, showcasing their ability to succeed even amidst rotational challenges.
The Dodgers have a clear strategy regarding Ohtani's pitching return, aiming for a workload around the 150-inning mark during the regular season. Roberts emphasized a flexible approach towards Ohtani’s pitching duties, stating, “The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload.” This careful management aims to preserve Ohtani’s dual-threat capability while ensuring longevity in his performance.
Reflecting on the Past and Envisioning the Future
Ohtani's 2023 pitching record further underscores his comprehensive skill set: a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, a WHIP of 1.06, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings. These tangible contributions as both a pitcher and a hitter have made him invaluable to the Dodgers and a phenomenon in the global baseball landscape. As Ohtani continues his rehabilitation, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his return to the mound and the batter’s box, where his dynamic abilities continue redefining what is possible in baseball.
For now, the Los Angeles Dodgers, under the astute guidance of Roberts and supported by their strategic rotation, aim to capitalize on Ohtani’s immediate batting prowess and gradually reintroduce his pitching capabilities. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ohtani as he once again seeks to etch his mark in baseball history, driving the Dodgers towards further glory with his unparalleled talent and tenacity.