Shohei Ohtani's Journey Back to the Mound: A Cautious Comeback Story
The Los Angeles Dodgers and their star player, Shohei Ohtani, embarked on a meticulous journey back to the pitching mound, and the 2025 season was a pivotal one. But here's where it gets intriguing: how do you prepare a player of Ohtani's caliber for pitching without compromising his role as a designated hitter?
Ohtani's preparation for pitching began with a pause in his throwing progression during the spring of 2025, a strategic move to ensure his readiness for the Tokyo Series. Upon returning, he resumed bullpen sessions, but the Dodgers had a unique challenge—how to balance his pitching practice with his role as a designated hitter. A rehab assignment was never an option, given his significance in the lineup.
The Dodgers devised a plan involving live batting practice, gradually increasing Ohtani's innings. However, this approach had its challenges, as Ohtani found it difficult to transition from practice to playing as the DH on the same day. And this is where the Dodgers' strategy evolved.
On a memorable day in June 2025, Ohtani took the mound for his first pitching start in over two years. He was cautious, pitching just one inning, but his fastball reached an impressive 100.2 mph. This marked the beginning of a deliberate strategy to extend his pitching stamina, aiming for six to seven innings by the postseason.
Ohtani's rehab at the Major League level was a unique and successful endeavor. He stayed healthy throughout the year, and now, in 2026, he's ready to reclaim his spot as a starting pitcher, potentially entering the National League Cy Young Award conversation.
As Ohtani embarks on his first full season as a starting pitcher since his second Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers are cautiously optimistic. Manager Dave Roberts hints at fewer restrictions, suggesting Ohtani will be managed like a 'normal pitcher.' But is it that simple?
Ohtani's early arrival at Camelback Ranch and his intense bullpen sessions indicate a focused preparation. Unlike his teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ohtani opted out of the World Baseball Classic, prioritizing his MLB season. The Dodgers are yet to announce his Cactus League or regular-season debut, but with Yamamoto's gradual return and Blake Snell's potential absence on Opening Day, Ohtani's role in the first series seems all but confirmed.
Roberts assures that Ohtani will get ample rest, with at least five days between starts, a strategy also likely to be employed for Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. But is this cautious approach truly necessary for a player of Ohtani's caliber? And will it impact his performance? That's the question on every fan's mind.
What do you think? Is the Dodgers' strategy a masterpiece of player management, or is it overly cautious? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss Ohtani's unique journey back to the mound!
