Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will not be pitching in the World Series. It was speculated in mid-September that the Japanese superstar could possibly pitch in the postseason. The Dodgers will be facing the New York Yankees in Game One of the World Series on Friday. The 30-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2018 season, and also had elbow surgery in September of 2023.
Dave Roberts confirms that Shohei Ohtani will NOT pitch in the World Series pic.twitter.com/UQUNRxLCkr
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 24, 2024
Shohei Ohtani Won’t Pitch in World Series for Dodgers
The 2024 season only permitted Ohtani the opportunity to hit, but the four-time All-Star still came out with a bang despite not being able to pitch. His production spoke for itself, sporting a .310 batting average with 54 home runs, 59 stolen bases, and 130 RBIs in the regular season. Ohtani not only put up far beyond impressive stats but also became the inaugural member of the 50/50 club. Ohtani is also a two-time MVP on his way to a probable third. The two-time Silver Slugger and 2018 AL Rookie of the Year is expected to return to pitching in the 2025 season.
Big Risk, No Reward
While it would have been thrilling to watch Ohtani pitch in the World Series, it would have also been a huge risk. It is better to be safe than sorry as we have seen so many pitchers and players face setbacks with their recovery this season. While the idea of putting him in the bullpen sounds logical, it would still present issues. It would be a challenge to have him warm up in the pen late in the game while remaining the designated hitter.
Ohtani would likely dominate in the pen or even as a closer, but there’s no reason to push those buttons if it could do more harm than good. The reality is that he has already gone through two major surgeries on his right elbow. It is better to have Ohtani rest his arm rather than risk having him injure it again, which could impact his hitting as well. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Dodgers’ starting rotation is looking like it will consist of Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ohtani, Walker Buehler, and Bobby Miller.
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