As the Dodgers’ World Series defense gets underway, Shohei Ohtani’s role is uncertain.
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2025 season with the weighty responsibility of defending their 2024 World Series championship. One of the most significant storylines surrounding their campaign is the role of their two-way superstar, Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese phenom has redefined Major League Baseball with his rare ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a hitter. However, with injuries and a cautious recovery plan in play, his contribution this season remains an evolving narrative.
Ohtani’s 2024 Performance and Injury Setback
The 2024 season was nothing short of historic for Shohei Ohtani. As one of the most dominant forces in the league, he carried the Dodgers with his extraordinary two-way play. He finished the season with a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases—numbers that earned him the National League MVP title. His pitching was equally impressive, boasting a 2.89 ERA, a 12-5 record, and 204 strikeouts over 156 innings.
Ohtani’s contributions were instrumental in the Dodgers’ World Series victory against the New York Yankees. However, during Game 2 of the series, he sustained a torn labrum in his left shoulder while sliding into second base. Despite playing through pain for the remainder of the series, his performance slightly declined. Following the season, he underwent surgery in November 2024 to repair the damage, raising immediate concerns about his availability for 2025.
The Dodgers’ Optimism and Caution
As the season approached, the Dodgers’ management remained cautiously optimistic. General Manager Brandon Gomes confirmed that Ohtani was expected to return as a hitter before making any commitments to pitching. Since the injury affected his non-throwing shoulder, his offensive capabilities remained largely intact.
Manager Dave Roberts echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Ohtani’s pitching timeline would be based strictly on medical evaluations. “We want Shohei to be at his absolute best when it matters most,” Roberts said in a preseason press conference. “That means being patient and ensuring his body is fully ready for both roles.”
Ohtani’s Role in the 2025 Season
Hitting Prowess: Carrying the Offense
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his pitching, Ohtani’s offensive prowess continues to be a game-changer. In the Dodgers’ season opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 27, 2025, he proved his worth by blasting a crucial two-run homer in the seventh inning, sealing a 5-4 victory. His presence in the lineup ensures that the Dodgers remain one of the most potent offenses in the league.
As the team progresses through the season, Ohtani is expected to maintain his role as the Dodgers’ primary designated hitter (DH). This allows him to focus entirely on his batting while easing his physical recovery.
Pitching Future: Uncertainty Looms
While Ohtani has resumed an offseason throwing program, the Dodgers remain hesitant to set a firm return date for his pitching duties. Medical experts suggest that a cautious approach could mean delaying his return to the mound until after the All-Star break. The team’s depth in pitching, bolstered by acquisitions such as Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, allows them the flexibility to be patient with Ohtani’s progress.
Gomes has stated that Ohtani’s potential return to pitching will be determined by his physical condition and biomechanics testing. “We don’t want to rush him,” Gomes explained. “If that means he doesn’t pitch until late in the season, or even at all this year, that’s a decision we are prepared for.”
Dodgers’ Adjustments and Strategic Planning
With Ohtani temporarily sidelined as a pitcher, the Dodgers have made strategic roster moves to compensate. The additions of Snell and Sasaki strengthen the starting rotation, while their offensive depth remains formidable with stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Roberts has emphasized the importance of load management, ensuring that Ohtani’s playing schedule is optimized for peak performance. The Dodgers may occasionally rest him during back-to-back games to avoid excessive strain, especially during long road trips.
Long-Term Implications for Ohtani and the Dodgers
The uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s role in 2025 raises larger questions about his future as a two-way player. While his abilities are unparalleled, the physical demands of pitching and hitting at an elite level continue to take a toll on his body. Some analysts have speculated whether the Dodgers might eventually limit his pitching responsibilities in favor of extending his longevity as a hitter.
Regardless of how this season unfolds, Ohtani remains a central figure in the Dodgers’ championship aspirations. His ability to impact the game as both a slugger and, potentially, a pitcher makes him one of the most valuable assets in baseball.
As the Dodgers embark on their World Series title defense, Shohei Ohtani’s role remains a fluid and evolving situation. While his hitting continues to be an offensive force, his return to the mound is still an open question. With careful management and strategic planning, the Dodgers are poised to maximize Ohtani’s contributions while ensuring his long-term health and success. Fans eagerly await his eventual return to two-way dominance, hoping to witness another season of unprecedented baseball excellence.