Dodgers Face Uncertainty Over Shohei Ohtani’s Playing Time
The Los Angeles Dodgers face uncertainty regarding the pitching future of Shohei Ohtani. In his first year with the team, Ohtani did not pitch. He only began pitching in June of his second year, and now, halfway through his third, it’s unclear when he’ll pitch next. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Ohtani’s return date is uncertain.
October playoff games loom, raising concerns. The Dodgers intended to rely on four main starting pitchers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Ohtani. As it stands, only Yamamoto is currently pitching in the major leagues. This situation highlights the need for the Dodgers to acquire an additional pitcher for playoff assurance.
Ohtani’s unprecedented $700 million contract spans seven additional years after the current season. Fans may have limited opportunities to enjoy his talents as a two-way player. His first year and a half with the Dodgers were dedicated to recovering from elbow surgery, and once fit, he returned to the field.
Now, Ohtani faces knee irritation, described by Roberts as “wear and tear.” This condition demands careful management. A lubricant injection administered to Ohtani provides temporary symptom relief but isn’t a long-term fix. Though repeatable, its effectiveness varies.
I would say that it’s going to be some time. It’s not going to be a day-to-day thing.
With these words, Roberts emphasized that Ohtani’s return to the mound isn’t imminent. The Dodgers had planned for Ohtani to start a game soon, but discomfort while throwing prompted a delay.
This repeated wear-and-tear issue might mean a future centered on careful management of Ohtani’s workload. Roberts compared it to the typical wear athletes experience over years of play, especially those who juggle multiple roles like Ohtani.
At 32 and in his 14th professional season, Ohtani is keenly aware of time’s impact. He entered spring training aiming for the Cy Young award, acknowledging that excellence as a pitcher might not last indefinitely.
In his initial 10 starts this season, Ohtani achieved a 0.74 ERA. But since the knee irritation appeared, his ERA has risen to 4.38, and he’s allowed three or more runs in every start since June 10.
Questions arise: Can Ohtani pitch effectively despite discomfort? Is it worth the risk given his dual role as a star hitter? The team and Ohtani must weigh the options.
Currently, Ohtani’s irritation occurs only while pitching, not while batting. Hence, the Dodgers see no need to rest him from hitting duties.
If the knee injection alleviates symptoms, or if the irritation subsides, Ohtani might resume pitching later this season. However, it would require time for him to regain pitching endurance in time for the playoffs.
The impact Ohtani brings is substantial, extending beyond the field into merchandise and international sponsorships. However, his genuine on-field talent remains the core value. As demonstrated by Aaron Judge’s absence affecting the Yankees, a missed role can impact a team significantly.
While the Dodgers do not doubt Ohtani’s future as a pitcher, questions about his contract’s worth arise. With two full seasons and two World Series titles, the contract already appears justified.