{
  "id": 15082548,
  "title": "Shohei Ohtani Reveals Pitching Plans for 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/shohei-ohtani-reveals-pitching-plans-for-2027",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T00:34:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/shohei-ohtani-reveals-pitching-plans-003431560.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is reflecting on a mixed 2026 campaign and contemplating his future plans for 2027, with the central question being whether he will return to pitching. Following a heartbreaking four-game sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers, Ohtani has a window of several months to recuperate, depending on the likelihood of a Major League Baseball work stoppage. His injuries, which affected his knee, arm, and neck, may have stemmed from the demanding nature of his dual roles as hitter and pitcher, leading him to explore a different training regimen and even surgery to make a pitch return possible. When queried about pitching in 2027, Ohtani affirmed his intention, saying, \"Yes, definitely,\" as per reports from MLB.com. The four-time MVP acknowledged that surgery might be necessary to make a return feasible, but he remains open to the possibility. Ohtani's 2026 season saw him pitch impressively, posting an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts. However, his pitching career was interrupted by injuries, which also impacted his batting performance. By the time he returned for the playoffs, Ohtani appeared far from his typical self at the plate. Despite calls to bench him in favor of rookie Josue De Paula, Ohtani still aims to compete for the Cy Young Award, which remains one of the last significant honors he has yet to win. The decision to pitch again will depend on his recovery and whether he can mitigate the risks to his health, potentially aided by a longer offseason due to a possible MLB lockout.",
  "summary": "Shohei Ohtani plans to return to the mound in 2027 despite a tough, injury-filled 2026 season. Find out why the Dodgers superstar refuses to give up pitching.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shohei Ohtani contemplates returning to pitching in 2027.",
    "Four-time MVP injured knee, arm, and neck likely from dual role.",
    "Ohtani's 2026 season saw 8-2 record and 1.79 ERA in 14 starts."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}