The Los Angeles Dodgers have an incredible pitcher waiting in the wings in Shohei Ohtani. With the superstar two-way player making his way back from a torn UCL in 2023, there is a lot of anticipation for when he makes his return to the mound. That anticipation is growing further with all the injuries the Dodgers’ staff has suffered.
When will Ohtani be back, and will the recovery process be expedited in the wake of the Dodgers’ staff dealing with a litany of injuries? In an interview segment with David Vassegh of Dodger Talk, from AM 570 LA Sports on X, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts answered both questions.
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“I can safely say he won’t pitch for us until after the [All-Star] break,” Roberts said. “But I don’t think that the injuries that we’ve had is going to speed up his recovery process.”
Roberts’ approach in handling this injury is a very cautious one. With over $700 million invested in Ohtani, rushing him back to the mound when he may not be ready doesn’t do anyone any good.
While the Dodgers are missing Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, and many others, rushing Ohtani back isn’t the best idea. The Dodgers taking their time with Ohtani’s recovery is a great sign.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) and manager Dave Roberts (30) look on from the dugout in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
From 2021 to 2023, Ohtani was one of the best pitchers in baseball. During that stretch, Ohtani started 74 games, had a record of 34 and 16, and an ERA of 2.84.
In his 428.1 innings in this time span, Ohtani has struck out 542 batters and walked just 143, for an average of three walks and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
Getting a talent of that caliber into the Dodgers’ rotation would be a huge addition. A healthy Dodgers starting rotation would not only be a deep group, but it would be among the best in all of baseball.
Ohtani’s return to the mound is still a little ways away. But with Roberts’ comments pointing towards after the all-Star break, Ohtani’s return isn’t too far off in the future.