**The Dodgers’ Cautious Approach to Shohei Ohtani’s Rehabilitation: Why Patience Is Key**
The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been known for their meticulous attention to player development and injury management. This strategy is especially evident in the case of Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom who joined the Dodgers on a rehabilitation program after his remarkable tenure with the Los Angeles Angels. As one of the most captivating athletes in Major League Baseball (MLB), Ohtani’s journey has attracted significant attention, especially since he suffered a major injury that has forced a rethinking of his future as both a hitter and pitcher. The Dodgers, aware of the long-term value of Ohtani’s contributions to the team, are taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, particularly regarding his pitching ability, which remains the most critical aspect of his game.
As of the 2024 MLB season, the Dodgers are not expecting Ohtani to be ready to pitch at the start of the year. This decision is being made with a careful, methodical approach that balances short-term results with the larger, long-term goal of maximizing his performance over a full season. Here’s why the Dodgers are taking this route and why their cautious approach may be the best thing for Ohtani’s future both on the mound and at the plate.
The Ohtani Phenomenon
Shohei Ohtani’s entry into Major League Baseball marked the arrival of a once-in-a-generation talent. His ability to pitch at an elite level while simultaneously being one of the game’s most potent hitters set him apart from nearly every other player in baseball history. Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities—often referred to as a “unicorn” in baseball circles—were initially seen as a fascinating novelty. However, Ohtani quickly proved he was not just a curiosity, but a legitimate MVP candidate, capable of reshaping the way the game is played.
Over the first few years of his career with the Angels, Ohtani lived up to the hype, becoming an All-Star in both pitching and hitting. His remarkable 2021 season, in which he hit 46 home runs and posted a 3.18 ERA as a pitcher, solidified his place among the sport’s elite players. However, as with all athletes, the demands of playing at an elite level in multiple roles began to take their toll on Ohtani’s body.
The Injury: A Setback for a Superstar
In 2023, Ohtani faced a setback when he sustained an injury to his pitching elbow, which forced him to leave the mound for the remainder of the season. Although he continued to hit at a high level, the injury cast serious doubts about whether he would be able to return to his two-way role, a central part of his identity as a player. The injury, described as a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), is particularly concerning for pitchers and often leads to Tommy John surgery, a procedure that requires extensive recovery time and typically sidetracks a player’s pitching career for at least a year.
Ohtani’s rehabilitation from the injury has been a delicate process, and his future as a two-way player hinges on his ability to recover and return to form on the mound. His ability to resume pitching will not only determine the trajectory of his career but also affect the strategy of the team that acquires him in free agency, given that Ohtani will likely be one of the most sought-after players in MLB history.
The Dodgers’ Cautious Approach
The Dodgers have a reputation for treating injuries with extreme care, ensuring that players are fully recovered before returning to action. This approach has helped them maintain a consistent level of success over the years, particularly in keeping their key players healthy for the long run. The decision to be conservative with Ohtani’s pitching rehabilitation is an extension of this philosophy.
Rather than rushing Ohtani back to the mound, the Dodgers have opted to slowly integrate him into the pitching rotation, prioritizing his long-term health and performance over short-term gains. With Ohtani’s pitching mechanics under close scrutiny and his body still recovering from the stress of his injury, there is little urgency to push him back too soon. The Dodgers’ medical and coaching staff are working in tandem to assess the progress of his recovery, keeping a close eye on his arm strength, mobility, and overall readiness.
This measured approach also reflects the team’s understanding of Ohtani’s value not just as a pitcher but as a hitter. While the Dodgers are unlikely to rush him back as a pitcher, they do expect him to continue contributing at the plate, where his bat remains one of the most dangerous in the game. Ensuring that Ohtani’s arm is healthy enough to return to pitching later in the season, rather than pushing him too quickly, allows the Dodgers to balance his recovery with his ability to contribute offensively.
The Long-Term Play
While there is no specific timeline for Ohtani’s return to pitching, it’s clear that the Dodgers’ cautious approach is rooted in a long-term vision. By taking their time with his recovery, the Dodgers hope to ensure that Ohtani can contribute for many seasons to come—not just for a few months of a single year. This focus on sustainable success could be critical in maintaining Ohtani’s ability to perform at a high level over the next decade, particularly as he continues to enter his prime years.
The Dodgers’ investment in Ohtani is not just about one season or one World Series title; it’s about building a roster that can compete for championships over an extended period. Ohtani’s two-way abilities are a rare commodity, and the team recognizes that getting the best version of him involves protecting his health at all costs.
If the Dodgers can bring Ohtani back slowly and strategically, they may be able to stretch his career as a two-way player, allowing him to pitch and hit at a high level for many years to come. In this light, a patient and cautious rehabilitation process makes all the sense in the world, even if it means waiting longer than fans might expect to see Ohtani on the mound again.
The Impact on Ohtani’s Future
Ohtani’s injury and rehabilitation timeline are of particular interest because they will play a major role in his upcoming free agency. Many expect him to be the most coveted player in MLB history, with teams offering him contracts worth upwards of half a billion dollars. His future as a pitcher will be a major factor in determining the size and structure of any contract, as clubs will want assurances that he can not only remain healthy but also continue to perform as both a top-tier pitcher and hitter.
For Ohtani, the key will be his ability to demonstrate that he can return to form as a pitcher, and the Dodgers’ approach may serve as the perfect model for managing his rehabilitation. If he can recover fully without risking further injury, his market value will remain intact, and he will continue to be one of the most dynamic players in baseball.
Conclusion: Patience for the Long-Term Gain
The Dodgers’ decision to take a slow and steady approach to Shohei Ohtani’s rehabilitation is rooted in a commitment to his long-term health and success. While fans may have to wait for Ohtani to return to pitching, this strategy prioritizes sustainable performance over immediate returns. The careful management of Ohtani’s rehabilitation not only ensures that the Dodgers can maximize his contributions for years to come but also aligns with the team’s broader philosophy of managing player health and longevity.
In a sport where injuries are an inevitable part of the game, the Dodgers are showing that sometimes the best approach is the most patient one. By allowing Ohtani the time he needs to fully recover, they are positioning him—and themselves—for sustained success both on the mound and at the plate.
