Shohei Ohtani's remarkable odyssey through the world of baseball has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the 30-year-old phenom prepares for the 2025 season, the spotlight shines brightly on his recovery and expected return to the diamond. Following an elbow surgery in the fall of 2023 and an additional procedure on his non-pitching shoulder, all eyes are on his anticipated comeback.
Ohtani's Anticipated Return
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who secured Ohtani with a historic $700 million contract, are eagerly awaiting his impact both on and off the field. However, they face the reality that Ohtani is unlikely to showcase his pitching prowess during the opening series in Japan on March 18 and 19, 2025. Manager Dave Roberts has been realistic about Ohtani's timeline, stating it’s "unlikely" that the sensational two-way player will appear on the mound during the team's international debut. Nonetheless, Ohtani is expected to be ready to wield his bat at the start of the 2025 season, providing optimism for Dodgers fans.
Ohtani's Stellar Offensive Performance
Last year, Ohtani's performance with the bat was nothing short of spectacular, solidifying his place among baseball's elite. Holding an impressive .310 batting average, .390 on-base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .646, Ohtani secured his third MVP title in four years. As he delivered jaw-dropping numbers, including 38 doubles, seven triples, and a staggering 54 home runs, he set the bar for what a modern baseball player could achieve.
His impressive 130 RBIs and 134 runs scored demonstrate his capability to drive the Dodgers to victories. Not to mention, Ohtani's speed on the bases — with 59 stolen bases — made him a threat in virtually every facet of the game. His historic achievement of a 50-50 season reinforced his dominance, earning MVP honors primarily as a designated hitter.
The Dodgers' Strategic Approach
Having clinched the World Series in the previous year with only three starting pitchers, the Dodgers look poised to build on that success as they prepare for the 2025 season. The team's rotation, featuring new acquisitions such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Cy Young winner Blake Snell, appears robust and ready to compete at the highest level. Moreover, the return of pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May is set to bolster the rotation’s depth further.
Manager Dave Roberts has emphasized a strategic approach toward Ohtani's pitching workload, stating that the team will be "nimble." The Dodgers plan to limit his regular-season workload to approximately 150 innings, aiming to preserve his health and effectiveness. Ohtani's pitching prowess was evident in 2023, when he concluded the season with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and an impressive 167 strikeouts over 132 innings.
This judicious management reflects the Dodgers' commitment to maximizing Ohtani's dual-threat capability without compromising his long-term health. "It’s 'unlikely' that Ohtani will pitch during the Dodgers' opening series in Japan," Roberts reiterated, underscoring the prudent approach to his workload moving forward.
A Season Full of Promise
With the Dodgers employing a mix of strategic rotations and cautious management of Ohtani's workload, the 2025 season emerges as one filled with promise. As Shohei Ohtani transitions from off-season recovery to making his impactful return to the lineup, fans worldwide anticipate witnessing his extraordinary talents once again. Ohtani's ability to electrify both from the mound and at the plate makes him a unique asset in the Dodgers' pursuit of yet another glorious campaign.
As the countdown to the season opener begins, baseball enthusiasts will keenly watch as Ohtani continues his awe-inspiring journey, ready to etch his name deeper into the annals of baseball history.