The Los Angeles Dodgers have adjusted their plans for Shohei Ohtani’s pitching return, a development that could see the two-way star serve as a full-fledged starting pitcher in the postseason rather than a limited opener. This revised outlook comes as manager Dave Roberts indicated Ohtani could be ready to pitch multiple innings in October.
Ohtani took a significant step forward by throwing live batting practice Saturday at Dodger Stadium, facing 30 pitches from catcher Will Smith in a simulated game without issue. This performance sets him up for a bullpen session in the coming days. Depending on his recovery from the bullpen session, Ohtani could participate in another simulated game or an actual game. A potential start could come as early as Sunday in Detroit, concluding the Dodgers' current road trip.
Regardless of the exact timing of his return to the mound, Ohtani is projected to make four to five starts before the end of the regular season. While his initial outing is expected to be limited to one inning, similar to his return from Tommy John surgery last year, the Dodgers plan a more aggressive buildup this time. Manager Dave Roberts suggested this approach could allow Ohtani to pitch five or more innings by the start of the playoffs.
This development is a welcome one for the Dodgers, particularly amidst recent injuries. Center fielder Andy Pages will miss four to five weeks with a broken left hand, and closer Edwin Diaz has been placed on the 15-day injured list with neck inflammation. Pages’ absence impacts the team’s offense, as he was a co-leader in RBIs and a strong defender. The bullpen also faces uncertainty with Diaz’s performance prior to his injury and his subsequent IL stint.
Ohtani’s strengthened pitching outlook could influence the team’s postseason rotation strategy. The Dodgers are reportedly considering a four-man rotation that could include Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, and Blake Snell. This alignment could allow them to move pitchers like Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki to the bullpen. Glasnow is slated to pitch Tuesday against the Braves, while Sasaki, who has made 22 starts this season, has experience as a playoff reliever. However, the team may need Sasaki to continue starting games in the postseason depending on Glasnow and Ohtani’s recovery progress.
Roberts acknowledged that difficult decisions lie ahead regarding player roles, but the potential for Ohtani to contribute as a starter in October significantly eases the team's concerns about managing its pitching staff through the playoffs. The possibility of Ohtani pitching substantial innings in the postseason provides a crucial advantage as the Dodgers navigate injuries and finalize their roster for a potential World Series run.