Even when Shohei Ohtani is in the throes of a season-low slump, he manages to dazzle fans with his amazing power and smooth swing. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar is mashing his way towards a third-career MVP award, remaining one of the most impactful players in the game despite only being a designated hitter.
But the Dodgers can still use some starting pitching depth. Although the organization has actively sought reinforcements since this past offseason, the rotation is in a precarious and uncertain state with less than six weeks remaining in the regular season. Consequently, some desperate fans have pondered a scenario in which Ohtani actually returns to the mound for the playoffs.
The Japanese native has unknowingly fueled this idea based on the progress he is making, but the front office is officially turning this lofty ambition into a fantasy.
“Shohei Ohtani may be recovering quite nicely from his Tommy John surgery, but forget the notion of the Dodgers bringing him to the pitcher’s mound this season,” USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reports. “Simply, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said, it’s not happening.”
Shohei Ohtani is looking to clear a key hurdle
While it would have been undeniably epic to see Ohtani race from the dugout to the bullpen late in a playoff game, such an instance is just not feasible at this time. And so, the 2025 return plan remains intact. But there is reason for fans to be fired up.
