When Shohei Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, the expectations for what he could accomplish in Dodger blue soared to unprecedented heights.
Not only has Ohtani lived up to the hype with his performance at the plate, but his return to the mound has reignited the conversation about his status as baseball’s most unique talent.
However, the Dodgers‘ focus has quietly shifted from dazzling displays to durability, as the team insists on a conservative approach to Ohtani‘s pitching workload for the remainder of the season.
Ohtani‘s long-awaited return to pitching brought plenty of excitement, but it also came with an undercurrent of anxiety.
In his last outing against the Cincinnati Reds, Ohtani was removed mid-batter due to leg cramps, a situation that instantly recalled memories of his previous injury struggles.
Dodgers fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when manager Dave Roberts confirmed it was a minor setback unrelated to the Tommy John surgery that forced Ohtani to miss the mound last season.
The Dodgers have set strict parameters around Ohtani‘s pitching, mindful of how much he means to both their lineup and their future ambitions.
Since June, the team has limited his outings to short stints, slowly building him back up with one, two, and then four-inning starts.
This deliberate progression is not about limiting Ohtani‘s impact, but about ensuring he can deliver when it matters most-especially with a deep playoff run on the horizon.
Cautious strategy at the forefront
Ahead of the Dodgers‘ latest series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Dave Roberts made the organization’s thinking crystal clear.
“I think the five-inning threshold, we’re very comfortable with that right now,” Roberts said.
“Going forward, we’ll see if that changes, but I think for sure for the next few turns, I don’t see him getting beyond five. I feel very confident in that.”
Roberts pointed out that Ohtani has not worked as a two-way player for over two years and is still readjusting to the demands of pitching and hitting regularly.
“He’s still sort of getting adjusted to this lifestyle as far as the day-to-day. I don’t think he’s there yet,” the manager added.
This approach is less about robbing fans of Ohtani‘s magic and more about protecting the team’s greatest asset. After two major elbow surgeries and a role as the Dodgers‘ offensive centerpiece, the risk of overworking Ohtani is simply too high.
The Dodgers‘ supporters seem to understand the stakes. Ohtani remains a huge draw in Los Angeles, as seen by the thousands who filled Dodger Stadium just for a glimpse of him and to pick up commemorative World Series rings featuring his name.
The enthusiasm is palpable, but the organization remains disciplined in their patient strategy.
Another Japanese star nears return
While all eyes are on Ohtani, the Dodgers are keeping tabs on another highly anticipated arm-rookie Roki Sasaki.
After entering the season as one of the most hyped international arrivals in years, Sasaki‘s rookie campaign was derailed by a shoulder injury.
Updates on his progress have been scarce and often vague, but this week brought a ray of hope for the Dodgers‘ pitching plans.
Sasaki told reporters he is finally pain-free and scheduled to throw three simulated innings over the weekend. If all goes as planned, a minor league rehab assignment will follow, which could put him on track for a return in September.
Dave Roberts has been coy about Sasaki‘s potential role should he return in time for the postseason, stating, “I’m going to hold on to that one,” and emphasizing that the Dodgers will take their best 13 arms into October, regardless of reputation or contract status.
With veterans like Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw providing plenty of firepower, and Emmet Sheehan exceeding expectations, Los Angeles can afford to be patient with both Ohtani and Sasaki.
The franchise knows all too well the importance of having its stars healthy for the games that matter most.
By prioritizing caution and depth over short-term fireworks, the Dodgers are making a calculated bet: a measured Ohtani today means a chance at postseason greatness tomorrow.
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