Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has not taken the mound since July 3, when he was considered a strong candidate for the National League Cy Young Award. However, ongoing issues with left knee inflammation and right biceps discomfort have sidelined him from pitching duties.
As Ohtani continues his rehabilitation process, the Dodgers are faced with a significant decision regarding his future on the mound. Recent discussions have raised the question of whether it might be in the team's best interest to halt his pitching rehab, especially if it is impacting his performance as a hitter.
According to Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller, the Dodgers' management, including manager Dave Roberts, must consider the implications of Ohtani's current condition. Miller pointed out that Ohtani's performance has dipped, with a .795 OPS in August, marking his lowest monthly OPS since April 2022. While this figure is still respectable for many players, it falls short of the .900 OPS or higher that the Dodgers expect from Ohtani.
The Dodgers' pitching staff is already in a strong position for the postseason, featuring a rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow, all of whom have maintained impressive ERA figures below 2.85 this season. This depth in their rotation raises the question of whether the team truly needs Ohtani to contribute as a pitcher, especially considering the potential risks to his health.
Shutting down Ohtani's pitching for the remainder of the season could allow him to focus on his hitting, where he remains a formidable force. The Dodgers are keenly aware of the impact Ohtani can have at the plate, and prioritizing his health may be the wisest course of action as they prepare for the postseason.
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Dodgers must weigh the benefits of Ohtani's unique talents against the risks associated with his injuries. The decision they make will not only affect Ohtani's future but also the team's chances in the playoffs, where every player’s contribution is critical to their success.
Ultimately, the Dodgers are at a crossroads with Ohtani, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether he will return to pitching or focus solely on his batting as they head into the final stretch of the season.
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