When Shohei Ohtani Resumes Pitching, It Might Not Be as Starter

The Los Angeles Dodgers are not compelled to bring Shohei Ohtani back to pitching immediately. With a robust starting rotation, the Dodgers can comfortably accommodate Ohtani's pitching rehabilitation. Nevertheless, the question arises: will Ohtani resume pitching as a starter? Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted at this possibility during a recent discussion about Ohtani's pitching progression.

Before Ohtani even stepped onto the field to catch, Roberts suggested that if the two-way star does return to pitching this season, it might not be for extended periods. Any innings Ohtani contributes would be a bonus due to his unique dual role. Roberts emphasized that even a single, two, or three innings wouldn't concern him, as he's not overly fixated on the timeline.

While the prospect of witnessing Ohtani pitch six quality innings in a single outing is enticing, the idea of him serving as a one-to-three inning closer is still unsettling for opponents. Visualizing Ohtani seamlessly passing the ball to Tarik Skubal, who then hands it off to Tanner Scott in a postseason game, is a daunting thought.

Despite their formidable lineup, the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers, who are vying for the top seed in the National League, cannot match the Dodgers' depth of talent. For Ohtani, a shorter workload is the most probable long-term future. At 32, Ohtani must be managed with even greater care than he received at the age of 23 when he first emerged on the scene from Japan.

Although his batting skills remain unrivaled, the Dodgers would rather have Ohtani's offensive prowess without risking arm injuries than risk having neither.