Nov 1, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) to speak to fans, in english, during the World Series Championship Celebration at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Reports: Shohei Ohtani ‘very unlikely’ to pitch in Dodgers’ opener

Ohtani unlikely to pitch in opener

Shohei Ohtani won’t be ready to pitch for the Dodgers by Opening Day in 2025. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed this at the Winter Meetings, stating it’s “very unlikely” Ohtani will take the mound in the season opener. However, Roberts expects Ohtani to be fully available as a designated hitter.

Ohtani, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder in November, is still in recovery. The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term health over an early return to pitching.

Dodgers’ pitching depth buys time

Ohtani’s absence on the mound won’t leave the Dodgers scrambling. Their rotation features new additions Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, among others. This depth allows them to focus on Ohtani’s gradual recovery.

Dave Roberts told reporters that it's unlikely that Shohei Ohtani will pitch in the Tokyo Series on March 18th and 19th in Japan, but he does expect him to be in the lineup pic.twitter.com/UNxERAeA7S
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 9, 2024

General manager Brandon Gomes echoed this sentiment, saying, “What we feel like is most important is that he is ready to pitch at his highest level when the games matter the most. Early-season games are very important, but we feel like if we can get him to a position where he is peaking towards the end of the season, that is the ideal scenario.”

Ohtani’s hitting remains elite

Despite his pitching setback, Shohei Ohtani remains a crucial offensive weapon. In 2023, he hit .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.036, securing the NL MVP title. His hitting prowess ensures he’ll contribute significantly as a designated hitter while continuing his recovery.

Why the Dodgers are cautious

Ohtani hasn’t pitched since 2023, when he was sidelined by elbow surgery while playing for the Angels. His recovery includes a methodical throwing program, which currently involves light catching from 60 feet. The Dodgers aim to avoid rushing him back, understanding the risks of overloading him early in the season.

1 year ago on this day was one of the most important moments in Dodgers history. Shohei Ohtani announced he was coming to Los Angeles and brought a title back to LA and changed all of baseball.
pic.twitter.com/YQ8ZZMXDo1
— Klein25 (@Klein25) December 9, 2024

Roberts explained, “I just don’t see us starting the clock in March to then think that we would keep that continuously going through October. Then, that would call for a break or reprieve in the middle of the season, so I don’t know. I still think unlikely.”

Dodgers’ lineup and plans

The Dodgers open their season with a two-game series against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18 and 19. Afterward, they return to the U.S. for regular-season play. While Ohtani is expected to headline as a hitter, the team will lean on its rotation depth to cover the pitching gap.

The Dodgers remain active in roster adjustments, adding Cy Young winner Blake Snell and retaining key players like Michael Conforto and Blake Treinen. They continue to explore pitching options, keeping an eye on international star Roki Sasaki.

If you take away all of Shohei Ohtani’s home run last season, he wouldn’t have hit any home runs.

Did anyone think about THAT when voting for the MVP award?! https://t.co/TUwyFNTZiF
— Jay Tust (@KTVBSportsGuy) December 9, 2024

Ohtani’s dual-role capability as a pitcher and hitter makes him invaluable. His career pitching stats—38-19 with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts over 481.2 innings—highlight his dominance. Once fully recovered, his return to the mound will further strengthen the Dodgers’ rotation. Until then, they’ll rely on his bat while ensuring his rehab progresses without setbacks.

Dave Roberts

Dodgers 2025 opener

Shohei Ohtani

Natasha Bose

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