LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with uncertainty regarding the potential return of designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to the pitching mound this season. The two-way star has not taken the field as a pitcher since July 3, primarily due to ongoing discomfort in his left knee and right biceps.
Ohtani's last significant activity involved a 20-pitch bullpen session last Friday, but he was subsequently scratched from a scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers just two days later. This decision has left fans and analysts alike questioning whether the 2021 AL MVP will make another appearance on the mound this year.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided some insight into Ohtani's condition during a press conference on Wednesday. "I think physically he’s in a good spot," Roberts stated. He emphasized that he has not received any concerning updates regarding Ohtani's health from either the player or the training staff, indicating that Ohtani feels positive about his current state.
Despite this optimism, Roberts acknowledged that a definitive plan for Ohtani's pitching future remains elusive. He mentioned that until he witnesses Ohtani throw another bullpen session, he cannot outline the next steps in the player's recovery and pitching progression.
When asked about the possibility of Ohtani not pitching again this season, Roberts did not dismiss the idea, saying, "It’s an option." This statement underscores the precarious nature of Ohtani's situation as the Dodgers approach the final stretch of the season.
Before his injury sidelined him, Ohtani was enjoying an impressive season, boasting an 8-2 record with a remarkable 1.79 ERA across 14 starts. His performance had positioned him as one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball, making his absence even more significant for the Dodgers.
In the event that Ohtani cannot return to the mound, there has been speculation about whether he could contribute as an outfielder. However, Roberts clarified that this option is not currently being considered. Ohtani has not played in the outfield during a major league game since 2021, when he participated in seven games for the Los Angeles Angels.
Should Ohtani be unable to start as a pitcher, there remains the possibility of him entering games as a reliever. If he were to start as the designated hitter and later transition to the mound, the so-called Ohtani Rule would come into effect, resulting in the Dodgers losing their designated hitter for the remainder of the game. Conversely, if he were to move from pitching to the outfield, he could continue to be part of the lineup.
Roberts acknowledged the value of Ohtani's pitching capabilities but also expressed concern about his overall health. "I certainly know the value of him pitching, but if you’re not 100%, there’s possibly some bleed-in to the performance offensively," he noted. The manager emphasized that while any inning Ohtani can contribute is beneficial, the priority remains his health, and there is no set timeline for when a decision will be made regarding his return.
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