Are you sure you're okay? Ohtani returns as a pitcher, running across the minor pitch and hitting the head

Feb 05, 2025

APYonhap News

You return as a pitcher, but throw in the Major League right away without a real game?

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is preparing to return as a pitcher this season. He, who has continued his pitching and hitting career in the Major League, had a crisis due to continuous injuries. Ohtani, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his second right elbow in September 2023, won the National League MVP by playing only as a designated hitter in 2024, his first season after moving to the Dodgers. He had his best season, setting a record of 50 homers and 50 steals for the first time ever.

But he still hasn't lost his motivation for a double whammy. Ohtani, who has been preparing to return to the pitcher step by step since the beginning of last year, has the determination that if he gets injured in his arm again, he should give up his pitching and hitting.

Originally, it was expected that Ohtani would be able to play both pitching and hitting from the opening game of the 2025 season, but manager Dave Roberts drew the line saying, `The pitcher can return in May.'

However, even if Ohtani returns to the pitcher, he will throw in the big league right away without taking a minor practice mound.

UPIYonhap News

Japan 'Sports Hochi' reported in a press release on the 5th that `Otani will not throw in the minor leagues, but will come into action immediately after several live pitching against major league players.'

This is interpreted to be due to Otani's 'special' situation. Ohtani is also the only pitching and hitting player in the Major League. It is registered in the '2-way' position.

However, if Ohtani wants to take the mound in the minor league, the player entry must also be transferred to the minor league. From the Dodgers' point of view, Ohtani is an indispensable player not only as a pitcher but also as a batter. If Ohtani misses even one game, the loss is huge. Since you have to miss at least a few games per pitch to prepare for a minor appearance, you will regain your sense of practice through live pitching while playing as a batter after the opening.

AFP Yonhap News

However, it is unclear whether Ohtani will be able to find a real sense during the season in this way. In addition, he could not completely shake off the question mark about his physical condition. Ohtani underwent his first Tommy John surgery in October 2018, and after taking the mound twice in 2020, he was committed to hitting again due to an elbow injury. Also, he had Tommy John surgery for the second time. Now in his 30s, many are concerned about whether he will be able to continue his pitching and hitting on the major league stage, where there is a lot of pressure.

The Japanese media also expressed concern about Ohtani, saying that he is making an appearance in a 'hitting game'.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.