Shohei Ohtani will hit but not pitch in LA Dodgers season opener
2 min read
Shohei Ohtani will play as a hitter, but will not pitch in the LA Dodgers' season opener due to recovery from surgery.
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar, will return to action as a hitter but not as a pitcher for the team’s season opener in Japan. Manager Dave Roberts stated that while Ohtani will be ready to hit when the season kicks off, it’s “very unlikely” he will pitch by March. According to Roberts, the early start of the season and the need for workload management makes it hard to imagine Ohtani pitching consistently from March through October without a break.
Ohtani, who has not pitched since 2023 due to elbow surgery, underwent a procedure on November 5 to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Despite the recent shoulder surgery, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes downplayed its impact on Ohtani’s return to the mound, saying it hadn’t slowed his recovery much. Instead, the focus is on preparing Ohtani for peak performance later in the season.
Though Ohtani took a break from pitching last year while recovering from elbow surgery, he still played a significant role in the Dodgers’ success. His exceptional hitting helped lead the team to the best record in Major League Baseball and contributed to their eighth World Series title, with Ohtani’s batting being the focal point of his contributions.
In 2023, Ohtani had a historic season, capturing his third MVP award and his first in the National League. He made MLB history by becoming the first player ever to achieve a 50/50 season, hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in one campaign. His remarkable performance included a .310 batting average, 59 stolen bases, and a franchise-record 54 home runs, along with 130 RBIs, leading the National League in those categories.
As the first designated hitter to win MVP honors, Ohtani’s 2023 campaign solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in baseball. Despite his absence from pitching, his bat has proven to be one of the most dangerous in the league, and the Dodgers are eager to have him contribute again in that role as they begin their season in Japan. Ohtani’s return to the mound may take time, but his impact as a hitter remains undeniable as the Dodgers look to continue their success into the 2024 season.
About The Author
