The 2024 World Series showdown between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers kicks off Friday night at Dodger Stadium. However, Thursday’s media availability featured a familiar question directed at Dodgers manager Dave Roberts: could Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation sidelined from pitching after undergoing elbow surgery last year, possibly make an appearance on the mound this series?
Roberts’s response was as definitive as ever, mirroring his stance throughout the past month of media speculation. “There’s no possibility, none whatsoever,” he stated bluntly. “Thank you for asking.”
The persistence around Ohtani’s pitching status can be traced back to a radio interview in September, when Roberts left a tiny glimmer of hope, saying, “You should always leave some margin, a crack in the door for any possibility.”
That comment ignited speculation about a potential October pitching return, though both Roberts and Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman have since worked to shut down the rumor.
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As Friedman pointed out in September, the Dodgers’ primary focus is ensuring Ohtani’s long-term health. “We aren’t even thinking about that right now,” Friedman said, reminding reporters that Ohtani was only about a year into his Tommy John surgery recovery, equivalent to an offseason training period for most players.
By then, Ohtani had made significant strides in his rehabilitation, but as Friedman emphasized, he remained far from game-ready on the mound.
This approach is understandable for the Dodgers, as Ohtani is just beginning his 10-year contract with the team, signed last winter, which makes his recovery paramount for both parties.
Rushing his return to pitching could jeopardize his potential contributions over the decade-long commitment, and the Dodgers are taking no chances.
In the meantime, Ohtani has been nothing short of invaluable as a hitter, showcasing the other half of his two-way talent. He finished the regular season with a remarkable .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and an astounding .646 slugging percentage, combining for an OPS+ of 190.
His power at the plate was on full display with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases. So far, he has continued this performance in the postseason, maintaining a .934 OPS across 11 games and hitting three home runs.
While Dodgers fans may still dream of seeing Ohtani dominate both on the mound and at the plate in future seasons, Roberts and the Dodgers’ front office are committed to patience.
Ohtani’s return to pitching will come when he’s fully ready, and for now, his bat alone provides plenty of star power in the Dodgers’ World Series run.
