Dodgers’ real plan with Shohei Ohtani isn’t just caution

Shohei Ohtani is at the center of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ strategy as they chase a third consecutive World Series title in 2026, The Dodgers are treating the long MLB regular season like a marathon, carefully managing Ohtani’s workload to ensure he peaks when it matters most.

Ohtani is still recovering from an elbow procedure in September 2023, and the Dodgers are limiting his starts early in the season. “The Dodgers are taking a conservative approach with Ohtani to keep him healthy,” reported Katie Woo of The Athletic, emphasizing the team’s focus on long-term performance over immediate numbers.

The two-way star didn’t pitch in 2024 and appeared in only 14 regular-season games last year. While he performed well, the Dodgers are deliberately spacing out his starts and monitoring his innings to maximize his impact in October, ensuring he is fully prepared for the postseason, after Ohtani’s 11-K outing shifted from Spring Training test to Dodgers necessity.

Managing Ohtani’s workload strategically

The Dodgers are balancing Ohtani’s dual roles as a pitcher and hitter carefully. By spacing out his starts and monitoring his innings, they aim to reduce fatigue while still leveraging his unique abilities. This measured approach reflects a broader philosophy: the team isn’t holding him back out of fear, but rather engineering his availability for maximum impact in critical games.

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Dodgers reacts after hitting a foul ball. Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images

Postseason preparation over regular-season stats

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While Ohtani’s early-season numbers may not reflect his full talent, the strategy ensures he peaks at the right moment. The Dodgers are confident that when October arrives, their two-way star will be at his best, both on the mound and at the plate, giving Los Angeles a key advantage in the playoff race. The plan is less about immediate statistics and more about ensuring dominance when it matters most.