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Ohtani Will Focus on Hitting in World Baseball Classic, Dodgers Manager Confirms
Table of Contents
- 1. Ohtani Will Focus on Hitting in World Baseball Classic, Dodgers Manager Confirms
- 2. Ohtani’s Road to Recovery and Dodgers’ Strategy
- 3. Balancing Tournament Play with long-Term Health
- 4. Other Dodgers Players and Team Japan’s Roster
- 5. When will Shohei Ohtani return to pitching?
- 6. Ohtani’s WBC Glory and Dodgers Manager Clarifies Why He Won’t Pitch Ahead of 2026
Los Angeles, California – In a notable development ahead of the upcoming World baseball Classic, Los angeles dodgers Manager Dave Roberts announced Saturday that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch during the tournament. The decision, made by Ohtani himself, prioritizes his planning for a full season as both a hitter and a pitcher following his recovery from elbow surgery.
Ohtani’s Road to Recovery and Dodgers’ Strategy
Ohtani, the reigning World Baseball Classic MVP from 2023, underwent a second Tommy John surgery in September 2023 after sustaining a torn UCL. He returned to pitching last June with the Dodgers and finished the regular season with a 2.87 ERA over 47 innings. The Dodgers intend to ease Ohtani back into a full pitching workload,avoiding any potential setbacks during the high-stakes tournament.
Roberts stated the Dodgers won’t significantly alter their approach to managing Ohtani. While acknowledging the need for additional rest between starts, Ohtani will be treated as a regular pitcher, departing from the limited-inning appearances seen during his recovery. The Dodgers’ medical staff will closely monitor his progress throughout the season.
Balancing Tournament Play with long-Term Health
Initially,Ohtani signaled his intention to participate in the World Baseball Classic in November,though he remained uncertain about pitching. Team Japan’s manager, Hirokazu Ibata, had left the door open for Ohtani’s pitching contribution, stating thay would assess his condition during spring training. However, ohtani himself expressed a need to prioritize his physical wellbeing and focus on being fully prepared as a designated hitter.
This caution mirrors the increasing awareness within Major League Baseball regarding player health and longevity. According to a 2024 study by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, NATA, a conservative approach to returning from significant injuries, like UCL reconstruction, is critical for preventing re-injury.
Other Dodgers Players and Team Japan’s Roster
Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki will also not participate in the WBC, with the Dodgers prioritizing his recovery from a shoulder injury sustained last year. Sasaki, a key member of the 2023 Team Japan, had a standout performance in the tournament, including a dramatic win over Mexico.MLB players Yoshinobu Yamamoto, also of the Dodgers, is anticipated to join Team Japan for exhibition games starting March 2nd. japan’s first WBC game is scheduled for March 6th against Taiwan.
When will Shohei Ohtani return to pitching?
Ohtani’s WBC Glory and Dodgers Manager Clarifies Why He Won’t Pitch Ahead of 2026The Afterglow of a Championship: Ohtani’s Impact on the World Baseball Classic Shohei Ohtani’s performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) remains a defining moment in baseball history. Leading Team Japan to victory, Ohtani wasn’t just a participant; he was the tournament. His pitching dominance, highlighted by a record-breaking performance against the United States in the semi-final – including a stunning strikeout of Mike Trout – captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond the pitching, his offensive contributions were crucial, solidifying his status as a global superstar. The WBC win wasn’t simply a national triumph for Japan; it was a showcase of Ohtani’s unique two-way talent on the biggest international stage. The impact resonated throughout Major League Baseball, fueling excitement for his then-upcoming free agency and ultimately leading to his record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The tournament cemented his legacy, proving his ability to perform under immense pressure and elevating the game’s profile internationally. The Dodgers’ Calculated Risk: Prioritizing Long-Term Health As we approach 2026, the question of when Ohtani will return to the mound remains a central topic for Dodgers fans and baseball enthusiasts alike. Following his September 2023 Tommy John surgery, the initial expectation was a potential return to pitching in the latter half of 2024. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has consistently emphasized a cautious approach, stating definitively that Ohtani will not pitch in 2025, and now confirming the same for the beginning of 2026. Roberts’ reasoning centers on a commitment to Ohtani’s long-term health and maximizing his career longevity. The Dodgers, having invested a historic $700 million contract in Ohtani, are understandably prioritizing a full and sustainable recovery. Rushing his return to pitching could jeopardize his future as both a hitter and a pitcher – a scenario the organization is determined to avoid. Understanding the Recovery Timeline & Dodgers’ Strategy The standard recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery is 12-18 months. However, for a player with Ohtani’s unique demands – the strain of both pitching and hitting – the Dodgers are opting for a more conservative approach. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations: * Gradual Buildup: The Dodgers plan a meticulously structured rehabilitation program, focusing on strengthening the elbow and surrounding muscles.This will involve a gradual increase in throwing intensity and volume. * Hitting Focus in 2024 & 2025: Allowing Ohtani to focus solely on hitting for the first two seasons post-surgery allows him to contribute significantly to the team while minimizing stress on the recovering elbow. He’s already proven to be an elite hitter, providing considerable offensive value. * Monitoring & Evaluation: The Dodgers’ medical staff will continuously monitor Ohtani’s progress, utilizing advanced imaging and biomechanical analysis to assess his recovery and readiness. * Preventative Measures: The team is highly likely implementing preventative measures to mitigate the risk of future injuries, including tailored training regimens and workload management strategies. The Precedent: Examining Similar Cases While Ohtani’s situation is unique due to his two-way abilities, examining past cases of pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery provides valuable context. * stephen Strasburg (Washington Nationals): Strasburg experienced setbacks in his recovery after his first Tommy John surgery, highlighting the importance of a patient and well-managed rehabilitation process. * Chris Sale (Boston Red Sox): Sale’s multiple injury concerns, including Tommy John surgery, underscore the challenges of maintaining pitching health over an extended career. * Justin Verlander (Houston Astros): Verlander’s accomplished return from Tommy John surgery at an older age demonstrates that a thorough recovery can allow pitchers to continue performing at a high level. These examples reinforce the Dodgers’ cautious approach. They’ve learned from the experiences of others and are determined to avoid repeating past mistakes. Benefits of a Delayed Return to Pitching The Dodgers’ strategy isn’t simply about avoiding risk; it’s about maximizing potential rewards. A delayed return to pitching offers several key benefits: * Enhanced Velocity & Control: A fully healed and strengthened elbow will allow Ohtani to regain his elite velocity and pinpoint control. * Increased Durability: A more complete recovery reduces the risk of re-injury and enhances his long-term durability as a pitcher. * Optimized Performance: Allowing Ohtani to focus on hitting initially allows him to refine his offensive skills and contribute immediately to the team’s success. * Strategic advantage: A fully healthy ohtani pitching in 2026 represents a notable strategic advantage for the Dodgers, perhaps transforming them into an even more formidable contender. Looking Ahead: Ohtani’s 2026 Outlook As of February 1st, 2026, all eyes are on Ohtani’s progress. The Dodgers have consistently communicated a timeline that prioritizes his long-term well-being. While a specific return date for pitching remains fluid,the expectation is that he will gradually begin throwing programs in the spring,with a potential return to the mound sometime in the latter half of the 2026 season. The Dodgers’ commitment to a measured approach, combined with Ohtani’s dedication to his rehabilitation, offers a promising outlook for the future. The baseball world eagerly  Adblock Detected
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