Shohei Ohtani’s time with the Dodgers has been marked by uncertainty regarding his ability to contribute as a pitcher. During his first season, he did not pitch, and in the second, he began pitching only in June. Now in his third season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has stated he is unsure when Ohtani might pitch again.
Looking forward to October and the postseason, the Dodgers face challenges. They had hoped to rely on four key starting pitchers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Ohtani. Currently, only Yamamoto is pitching in the major leagues, highlighting a need for the Dodgers to consider acquiring another starter for potential playoff games.
Ohtani’s situation is complicated by a long-term contract worth $700 million over seven years. The pitcher dealt with elbow surgery during his first year with the Dodgers. Although he recovered, Ohtani now faces irritation in his left knee, described by Roberts as “wear and tear.” This issue lacks a straightforward solution. Ohtani has recently undergone a lubricant injection intended to alleviate symptoms temporarily.
The Dodgers had planned for Ohtani to start a game on Wednesday. However, his discomfort during a recent throwing session prompted them to postpone. Roberts mentioned, “I would say that it’s going to be some time. It’s not going to be a day-to-day thing.” The focus may shift towards careful management over the remainder of his career.
Despite these challenges, Ohtani, at 32, was optimistic at the start of the season, aiming for the Cy Young award in the National League. He expressed this might be his last chance to pitch at such a high level. Initially, he showcased a dominant performance with a 0.74 ERA in ten starts. Since his knee issues began, his ERA has risen to 4.38 in subsequent starts.
The Dodgers need to determine if Ohtani can continue pitching effectively while managing discomfort. Roberts indicated that the knee irritation affects Ohtani only while pitching, not when batting, suggesting no need to limit him as a hitter. The team hopes the knee issue could subside, allowing Ohtani to navigate the season smoothly or manage symptoms during the playoffs.
Ohtani’s effect on the sport extends beyond his pitching. His impact is seen in merchandise sales, fan engagement, and corporate sponsorships. His prowess as a player should remain the focal point, as his performance continues to be invaluable to the Dodgers.
In light of Ohtani’s pitching hiatus, the Dodgers face challenges in preparing him for playoff intensity. If he returns soon, questions remain about his endurance for postseason games. Despite uncertainties, Ohtani’s contributions have led to remarkable milestones for the Dodgers, including securing two World Series championships in full seasons with him.