Shohei Ohtani has made history many times throughout his spectacular career. After being confined to the batter’s box only this season, the resurgence of Ohtani’s two-way player status may be on the horizon sooner than expected.
With the postseason hastily approaching and a pitching staff that has been riddled with uncertainties, the possibility of Ohtani’s return in 2024 is more than just a mere thought. After continuously rehabbing his elbow throughout the season, the door is open for the possibility of him on the mound. Will Ohtani make his return to the rubber this season after all?
Dave Roberts Speaks on Ohtani
All season long, the idea of Ohtani pitching has been completely shut down and off the table. Now, in mid-September, the idea is being tossed around as the Dodgers may need some help with their shallow pitching staff. Los Angeles Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, spoke yesterday on Ohtani’s pitching status and the likelihood that he could potentially be seen on the bump this postseason. Though the idea is being considered, it is not something that is nearly guaranteed.
“I think you should always leave some margin, a crack in the door for anything right? If things line up and there is a need, and the game, his body, everything is telling us that it makes sense in that situation, then great,” said Roberts. “It would be storybook. But to count on that, that’s not the way to go about it. Shohei is on board and I wouldn’t put it past him to have an eye on that and we’ll just see how it plays out.”
Though away from the rubber, Ohtani has had an incredible year as designated hitter. Joining great company already in the 40-40 club, he is on his way to becoming the first-ever player in Major League history to make it to the 50-50 club. If he were to be able to pitch this year, it would surely top off his potential MVP season.
Ohtani’s Place in the Pitching Staff
If Ohtani is to throw this postseason, his appearance would not be until the NLCS or even the World Series. He is still in the midst of his throwing program and has yet to throw to batters in his rehab stint. Many hurdles would have to be crossed before he would be ready to go.
Ohtani would likely not be in the starting rotation if he makes his pitching debut this year. With his body and arm not built up yet, it would only be possible for him to work out of the bullpen for short relief appearances. Likely one one-inning stint. Ohtani underwent surgery on his UCL in September of 2023. Even though almost a full year has passed, the Dodgers are still weary in rushing him to the mound, risking further injury. The decision for his return will rely heavily on his discernment and medical clearings.
Ohtani’s Impact on the Mound
Ohtani has a career ERA of 3.01 and a WHIP of 1.08. In his 481.2 innings pitched, he has garnered 608 strikeouts. His All-Star repertoire would be a lucrative asset to the Dodgers pitching staff this October. The discussion of Ohtani back on the hill this season goes to show the desperation of Los Angeles’s pitching staff. They have been struggling all season long, plagued with injuries and underperforming arms. With a rotation up in the air and a bullpen missing key pieces, Ohtani may be vital to their short-term success this year.
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