Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, had a historic first season in the National League. After signing a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers following six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani exceeded all expectations, helping his new team win the World Series. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes has sent a clear message regarding his return to the mound in the MLB.
Ohtani made history by becoming the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and stolen bases in the same season, joining the exclusive 50/50 club. This achievement alone cemented his place in the leagueâs history. Notably, he accomplished this feat while recovering from Tommy John surgery, which prevented him from contributing as a pitcher last season.
As a designated hitter for the Dodgers, Ohtani proved himself even without pitching. With a career ERA of 3.01 in 86 starts as a pitcher, expectations for his return to the mound are high, and the Dodgers have confirmed that fans wonât have to wait much longer.
Ohtaniâs return to the mound
During an appearance on the New York Postâs âThe Showâ podcast, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes confirmed that Ohtani would be part of the Los Angeles starting rotation in 2025. âWeâre making sure we hit these boxes on the front end,â Gomes said about Ohtaniâs rehab. âWeâll build him up, and then when heâs ready to go and gone through his live BPs, he can plug back into the rotation. But a lot of that is figuring it out along the way.â
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks during the 2024 World Series Celebration Show at Dodger Stadium on November 01, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
To ensure Ohtani stays in the lineup, Gomes also announced that the two-way star wouldnât be sent on a rehab assignment. âWe would lose our DH,â Gomes explained, emphasizing Ohtaniâs importance as both a hitter and a pitcher to the team.
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Why didnât Ohtani pitch in the postseason?
Gomes further revealed why Ohtani wasnât rushed back as a pitcher during the postseason. âLast year it was challenging because as he was about to get into a deeper part of the pitching progression, we were going into the playoffs,â Gomes said. âIs it really worth ramping up to live BPs as youâre taking your first playoff at-bats? We canât risk losing this guy from our lineup.â His reasoning underscores the Dodgersâ strategy in managing Ohtaniâs unique two-way ability.
Whatâs next for Ohtani with the Dodgers?
While Ohtani still has some rehab milestones to meet, Dodgers fans can expect to see him on the mound this season. Ohtaniâs combination of hitting and pitching ability makes him one of the most exciting and valuable players in baseball, and his return to pitching is one of the most anticipated events of the upcoming MLB season.
