In a clear statement at the World Series media day, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shut down growing speculation about Shohei Ohtani’s potential to pitch in the playoffs, stating there is “no possibility” Ohtani would be taking the mound against the New York Yankees in the coming week and a half. Roberts’ comments were reported by ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez and come as the Dodgers face ongoing challenges within their pitching rotation.
This isn’t the first time Roberts has addressed rumors about Ohtani pitching this season. Initially expected only to hit in 2024 due to a torn UCL repaired through surgery last year, Ohtani’s progress raised questions as he began throwing in May from 60 feet and later pitched off a mound in August. In September, Roberts contributed to the suspense when he hinted he wouldn’t “close the door 100%” on the idea of Ohtani pitching, leaving fans and analysts wondering if the Dodgers might surprise with a late postseason appearance on the mound from their star.
However, clarity from Ohtani’s surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, seems to have tempered the hopes. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times last month, Dr. ElAttrache expressed concerns over Ohtani’s readiness for high-stakes competition after undergoing an internal brace procedure rather than the traditional Tommy John surgery. “It’s not really a good idea for anyone coming back from elbow or shoulder surgery to make their return to competition in the postseason,” he said, emphasizing the need for controlled, low-pressure rehab settings not found in the high-stakes postseason atmosphere.
Adding to this cautionary advice, ElAttrache advised that Ohtani limit his pitch velocity below 90 mph during recovery, a considerable decrease from his usual high-90s range. The unique internal brace procedure, which is different from a standard Tommy John surgery, has allowed faster recoveries in some cases, such as Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, who returned five months post-surgery. However, recovery timelines vary, and a second Tommy John procedure typically requires over a year’s recovery. Ohtani’s teammate Walker Buehler, for instance, only recently returned to pitching after more than a year following his second Tommy John surgery.
Given the high stakes of the Dodgers’ 10-year, $700 million commitment to Ohtani, it’s unsurprising that both Roberts and Dodgers president Andrew Friedman would prioritize the long-term health of their star player over immediate pressures. While the notion of an unexpected Game 7 debut might sound thrilling, the Dodgers appear set on the safer route, focusing on their postseason run with a keen eye on Ohtani’s future durability.