Shohei Ohtani, the extraordinary baseball talent, is set to embark on another ambitious season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite recent setbacks due to surgery. As the Dodgers prepare for the 2025 season, insights into Ohtani’s current health and potential impact both at the plate and on the mound are beginning to take shape.
Recovery and Comeback Plans
Ohtani is in recovery following elbow surgery conducted in the fall of 2023, along with an additional procedure on his non-pitching shoulder. While these surgeries have cast some uncertainty over his return to pitching dominance, the Dodgers remain hopeful about integrating his unparalleled skills into their lineup when he is ready.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism, albeit with caution, regarding Ohtani’s role in the upcoming season. "The team will be 'nimble' with Ohtani's pitching workload," Roberts stated, acknowledging the need for strategic management of his return to the mound. The Dodgers do not expect Ohtani to pitch during their opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, a decision Roberts reinforced by describing it as "unlikely."
Role as a Hitter
As Ohtani continues to recuperate, his potential as a designated hitter remains undiminished. His performance in the previous season speaks volumes, having captured his third MVP title in four years. With a .310 batting average, .390 on-base percentage, and a staggering .646 slugging percentage, his contribution to the Dodgers' offensive lineup was nothing short of prolific.
Over the course of last season, Ohtani tallied 54 home runs, 38 doubles, and seven triples — achievements that helped solidify his status as one of the game's most feared hitters. Furthermore, he amassed 130 RBIs and 134 runs, demonstrating an exceptional ability to drive in and score runs. Notably, Ohtani also stole 59 bases, underpinning his all-around impact on the field.
The culmination of his remarkable statistics — including a 9.2 WAR — earned him the distinction of being the first player to achieve a 50-50 season, largely as a designated hitter. This blend of power and speed only heightens the anticipation surrounding his return to action in the 2025 season.
The Dodgers’ Rotational Strategy
The Dodgers, fresh off a championship-winning campaign that required just three starting pitchers, are set to field a robust rotation in 2025. The inclusion of pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell underscores their commitment to in-depth pitching talent. Returning pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May further bolster the team's options, adding depth to a rotation poised to defend its World Series title.
With Ohtani in the fold, a $700 million investment for the Dodgers, the team has set a prospective pitching workload for him at approximately 150 innings during the regular season. This cautious approach aims to maximize his effectiveness while ensuring long-term health. In 2023, Ohtani showcased his elite pitching caliber with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings.
A Balanced Approach
As the 2025 season looms, the Dodgers are intent on managing Ohtani’s dual-role contributions prudently. While the anticipation of his return to the mound builds, his importance in the batting order remains a critical asset. Embracing flexibility, the team seeks to leverage Ohtani's talents judiciously, aligned with strategic priorities and health considerations.
In a sport that glorifies individual prowess and team success, Shohei Ohtani stands out as a singular figure commanding both acclaim and strategic intrigue. His progress and performances will be closely watched, as he embodies a rare dual threat that could once again redefine the Dodgers’ fortunes in the coming year.