Shohei Ohtani's Pitching Future for 2023 Season is Grim

Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star Shohei Ohtani faces an uncertain future on the mound as manager Dave Roberts announced on Sunday that it is unlikely he will pitch again this season. Ohtani has been sidelined due to a series of injuries, marking the first time since joining the Dodgers in 2023 that he has missed four consecutive games.

Ohtani, who has not taken the mound since July 3, has been dealing with inflammation and soreness, which have curtailed his pitching activities despite his efforts in bullpen sessions. The Dodgers are hopeful for his return as a hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, but the prospect of him returning as a pitcher is dimming as the regular season nears its end.

Injury Struggles and Recovery

During an impressive first half of the season, Ohtani was a contender for the National League Cy Young Award, boasting a record of 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts. However, injuries to his left knee, right biceps, and neck have significantly impacted his performance. Roberts noted that while Ohtani has shown improvement, the timeline for him to return to pitching as a full-fledged starter is not promising.

Dodgers' Decision on IL Stint

Despite Ohtani's ongoing issues, the Dodgers have opted not to place him on the 15-day injured list, which is mandatory for two-way players. As Ohtani has now missed enough time to preclude a retroactive stint, the team is facing a complicated decision moving forward. His performance has dipped recently, with Ohtani hitting only 2-for-23 with 11 strikeouts in his last six games, leaving fans wondering when they will see him back at full strength.

Source: www.japantimes.co.jp