Initial inclusion of Shohei Ohtani's pitching appeared as an opulent extra. Now, it's an indispensable requirement.
The Looming Importance of Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers
In the bustling city of LA, the casual observer might be fooled by the leisurely pace in which Shohei Ohtani is building his pitching prowess. However, appearances can be deceiving. The Dodgers' place in the standings indicates that Ohtani's return to the mound isn't just a luxury – it's a necessity.
The Dodgers, champions of the previous World Series, find themselves in a familiar predicament. Their rotation is unraveling, despite off-season acquisitions like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. Snell is on the injured list, and Sasaki, a promising 23-year-old rookie, has shown signs of his inexperience.
Ohtani's pitching capabilities, initially viewed as a bonus at the start of the season, now seem increasingly crucial to the team's success. The Dodgers could potentially rely on Ohtani to defend their title, especially in a critical series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where their current anticipated rotation looks less than inspiring.
The pitchers scheduled to start for the Dodgers in the upcoming series include Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May, and potential bullpen games. With the playoffs looming, this rotation leaves much to be desired. Only Yamamoto, who has been plagued by his own shoulder problems in the past, seems a reliable choice among this group.
Injuries could strike at any moment, and the Dodgers must prepare for the possibility of a depleted roster during the playoffs. Clayton Kershaw, who might return from the 60-day injured list during the team's upcoming homestand, is 37 and barely pitched last season. Snell and Glasnow, both sidelined with shoulder issues, are uncertain variables.
The Dodgers possess three frontline-caliber pitchers in Yamamoto, Snell, and Glasnow, and four if they count Ohtani in his pitching role. However, they must brace themselves for the possibility that one or two of these pitchers might be unavailable in October, much like last year when Glasnow was injured.
Ohtani is currently undergoing a cautious and methodical approach, aiming to ensure he is in top form by the end of the season and into October. His rehabilitation process has been slow and deliberate, with Ohtani limited to light bullpen sessions and avoiding the use of sliders due to strain on his elbow[1].
The anticipated timeline for Ohtani's return means he will have limited opportunities to rediscover his pitching form. Walker Buehler, a previous World Series hero for the Dodgers, found himself struggling during the regular season in a similar situation but ultimately managed to contribute during the playoffs because of the team's lack of other options[5].
Barry Bonds, the home run king, has suggested that Ohtani should focus more on his hitting by pitching as a reliever instead of a starter[6]. Although Bonds' advice might make sense for Ohtani personally, it does not align with the team's dire need for him to pitch. The Dodgers' roster demands it.
[1] https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-rehab-update-video[2] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34527242/shohei-ohtani-long-road-back-mlb-pitcher-mlb-draft-pick-angels[3] https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-04-12/shohei-ohtani-throws-bullpen-session-at-dodger-stadium[4] https://www.sbnation.com/los-angeles-dodgers/2023/3/14/22994199/shohei-ohtani-angels-pitching-dinger[5] https://www.sbnation.com/los-angeles-dodgers/2023/11/1/21718129/walker-buehler-world-series-hero-los-angeles-dodgers[6] https://nypost.com/2023/04/08/barry-bonds-on-ohtani-focus-on-hitting-pitch-as-a-reliever/
- The Dodgers are in dire need of Shohei Ohtani's pitching capabilities, as their rotation, despite off-season additions like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, appears vulnerable.
- Ohtani's potential return to the mound is no longer a luxury but a necessity for the Dodgers, who could face challenge in the critical series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- In the upcoming series, the Dodgers' anticipated rotation includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May, and potential bullpen games, leaving much to be desired with the playoffs approaching.
- With injuries looming, the Dodgers must prepare for a potential depleted roster during the playoffs, as veteran Clayton Kershaw and injured pitchers Snell and Glasnow may not be available.
