Shohei Ohtani’s Road to Redemption: A Home Run, A Comeback, and the Future of His Pitching Career
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ $700 million superstar, once again captured the spotlight with a jaw-dropping home run in his latest appearance. But while his bat continues to make headlines, it’s his future on the mound that has fans and analysts buzzing. Ohtani, known for his historic two-way dominance, has been sidelined from pitching after undergoing shoulder surgery in late 2023. However, his recent on-field performances and cryptic hints have ignited speculation that his return to the mound might come sooner than expected.
With Ohtani’s unmatched ability to influence the game on both sides, the question looms large: Will he reclaim his role as baseball’s most feared two-way player, or will his future be reshaped by his recovery process?
Ohtani’s Impact in a Dodgers Uniform
When Ohtani shocked the baseball world by signing with the Dodgers in the offseason, expectations skyrocketed. Even though his 2024 campaign would be limited to hitting as he rehabbed from elbow surgery, his mere presence in the lineup made the Dodgers instant World Series favorites.
Thus far, Ohtani has more than lived up to the hype. His bat remains elite, as evidenced by his recent home run—a towering blast that reminded everyone why he was MLB’s most coveted free agent. With his signature blend of power, speed, and discipline at the plate, he has seamlessly transitioned into a new chapter with the Dodgers.
But for fans who have marveled at Ohtani’s pitching prowess over the years, the real excitement lies in his eventual return to the mound.
The Road Back from Surgery
Ohtani’s latest injury setback came in August 2023 when he was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. Rather than undergoing a second Tommy John surgery, he opted for an alternative procedure designed to accelerate his recovery timeline. While specifics about the surgery remain vague, the plan was clear: no pitching in 2024, with a potential return in 2025.
For Ohtani, this is familiar territory. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 and missed the entire 2019 season as a pitcher. His successful return to the mound in 2021 set the stage for his MVP-winning seasons in 2021 and 2023, proving he could dominate as a two-way force.
Given his track record, it’s no surprise that optimism surrounds his recovery. However, pitching after a second major elbow procedure presents a unique challenge. Will he regain his 100 mph fastball? Can he maintain his devastating splitter? More importantly, will the Dodgers allow him to resume two-way play, or will they prioritize his health and longevity?
Speculation Heats Up: Could Ohtani Return Earlier Than Expected?
Ohtani’s recent comments and actions have only fueled speculation that his comeback as a pitcher may not be as distant as originally thought. While he remains non-committal about an exact timeline, there have been subtle signs that a return in early 2025—or perhaps even late 2024—is on the table.
1. His Batting Performance Suggests a Strong Recovery
Ohtani’s offensive numbers indicate that his overall health is improving rapidly. Historically, players recovering from major arm injuries often experience residual effects when swinging, particularly in their non-dominant elbow. However, Ohtani’s power and mechanics remain intact, suggesting that his rehab is progressing well. If his body is responding positively to hitting, that could be an encouraging sign for his eventual return to pitching.
2. Increased Throwing Activity
Reports suggest that Ohtani has been gradually increasing his throwing intensity in private workouts. While he hasn’t been seen throwing off a mound publicly, the fact that he is already engaging in light throwing drills points to a structured progression in his rehab. If he continues on this trajectory, he could potentially begin bullpen sessions later this year.
3. The Dodgers’ Long-Term Investment
The Dodgers committed an unprecedented 10-year, $700 million contract to Ohtani, structured with significant deferred payments. This financial commitment indicates they are thinking beyond just 2024. While they will prioritize his health, they also recognize that a fully operational two-way Ohtani maximizes their championship window. If there’s even a slight chance he could return as a pitcher earlier than expected, they will monitor every possibility closely.
What Will Ohtani’s Pitching Return Look Like?
Assuming Ohtani does make a full recovery, what kind of pitcher will he be?
1. Role Adjustment: Will He Be a Full-Time Starter?
Before his injury, Ohtani was a legitimate ace, boasting a 3.14 ERA in 2023 with 167 strikeouts in just 132 innings. However, the Dodgers could take a more cautious approach with his workload. A six-man rotation, similar to the one the Angels used, could help manage his innings.
Another possibility is a hybrid role. Instead of starting every fifth or sixth day, Ohtani could take on a “piggyback” role, pitching fewer innings per outing but maximizing his efficiency.
2. Changes in Pitch Arsenal
Given the nature of his surgery, Ohtani may need to make adjustments to his pitch selection. His devastating splitter, which puts significant stress on the elbow, may require modifications. He could rely more on his slider and cutter to reduce strain. If his velocity takes a slight dip, he may also need to lean on command and deception rather than pure power.
3. Long-Term Two-Way Viability
The biggest question remains: Can Ohtani sustain his two-way dominance over the next decade? While his previous comeback from Tommy John was successful, this latest injury puts more strain on his durability. If he does return to pitching, the Dodgers may carefully monitor his workload to ensure he remains an offensive powerhouse while minimizing risk.
The Dodgers’ Championship Aspirations with Ohtani
With or without pitching, Ohtani’s presence makes the Dodgers a force to be reckoned with. Alongside Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, he forms one of the most formidable lineups in recent MLB history. The Dodgers’ ultimate goal is clear: win multiple World Series titles with Ohtani leading the charge.
If he can successfully return to the mound in 2025, the Dodgers would gain an almost unfair advantage—a player who can single-handedly dominate games both offensively and defensively. But even if his pitching career is altered in some way, his bat alone makes him an MVP-caliber player.
What’s Next?
For now, Ohtani’s focus remains on his offensive contributions in 2024. Every home run he hits serves as a reminder of his unparalleled talent, but the real intrigue lies in what’s happening behind the scenes. His throwing program, his rehab milestones, and his overall physical condition will dictate when and how he makes his return to the mound.
Dodgers fans can only wait and watch, hoping that baseball’s greatest two-way sensation has another historic chapter left to write. If his past has taught us anything, it’s that betting against Shohei Ohtani i
s a mistake. His return to pitching isn’t just a possibility—it’s a matter of time.