Dodgers Take Cautious Approach with Shohei Ohtani’s Rehab, Unlikely to Pitch at Season Start
The Los Angeles Dodgers are opting for a measured approach in rehabilitating Shohei Ohtani following his recent shoulder surgery, and they do not expect him to pitch at the beginning of the 2025 MLB season. Ohtani, a two-way sensation and one of baseball’s most electrifying players, underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. This injury occurred during Game 2 of the World Series on October 26 while he was sliding in a stolen base attempt. The setback has adjusted the Dodgers’ plans, as they initially hoped Ohtani would pitch in the season-opening Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18, 2025.
Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes provided an update on Ohtani’s status, emphasizing a gradual recovery timeline. “We’re going to take it piece by piece and get through this and then do it in chunks of a week or two,” Gomes said. “We’ll make sure we’re in a really good place at each of those benchmarks and then go from there. We’re not trying to set a hard deadline.”
This methodical approach comes as the Dodgers aim to avoid rushing Ohtani back to the mound, especially since he had already been recovering from elbow surgery performed in September 2023. As a result of the latest surgery, Ohtani has paused his pitching program indefinitely.
Gomes underscored that the stages of Ohtani’s rehabilitation would involve carefully monitored, lower-intensity exercises initially, with a focus on movement and stability. The Dodgers’ medical team, led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, is overseeing his recovery and will remain closely involved throughout the process.
performance this past season, even while limited to a designated hitter role, was historic. In his first year with the Dodgers, he batted .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, making him the first MLB player to record at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. After signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with Los Angeles, the team is keen to ensure his long-term health and effectiveness, even if it means limiting his workload early on.
Though Ohtani’s running game will likely be more conservative following his injuries, Gomes was hesitant to rule out any aspect of the player’s future contributions. “I think it’s safe to say he’s not going to steal 50 bases next year,” Gomes joked. “But with Shohei, you never want to bet against him.”
As for other roster developments, Gomes mentioned that the Dodgers are considering moving Mookie Betts from the outfield back to the infield, particularly with World Series-winning manager Dave Roberts’ contract negotiations underway. This decision has fueled speculation about a potential pursuit of Juan Soto, one of the league’s top free agents.
The Dodgers’ careful management of Ohtani’s recovery signals their commitment to the Japanese star’s health and future. Despite missing out on a potential season opener in Tokyo, Ohtani’s return to the mound will be dictated by his readiness rather than deadlines, ensuring he can contribute to the Dodgers’ long-term success without unnecessary risks.
