LA Insider Drops Definitive Take On Shohei Ohtani’s Rumored MLB Pitching Comeback as Dodgers Closer

Remember the World Baseball Classic 2023? Shohei Ohtani closed a game there. He was a designated hitter who quickly turned into a closer, knocking the Angels’ Mike Trout out in the ninth inning. Finally, Japan won the title. What an experience that was! Now, speculations are running high about his transition to this new role.

Well, Ohtani has been doing great this season. He has already posted 23 home runs, batting at an average of .293 with a .388 OBP and a 1.021 OPS. But his vulnerability to injuries isn’t something new. So, the big question is whether he can come back to the mound as a closer after rehabbing from the elbow surgery.

LA insider Jeff Fletcher remains skeptical. Given that Shohei Ohtani is a two-way player, it’s going to be difficult for him to work in that role. “How are you going to do that? What if he’s batting in the top of the ninth, and then he’s supposed to come pitch in the bottom of the ninth? When’s he going to warm up?”

Makes sense. It’s difficult for any player to come in as a closer right after batting. The workload will be massive, and the Dodgers cannot risk it, given their pitching lineup has been marred by injuries. Previously, it was Blake Snell, and now it’s Tony Gonsolin who got placed on the injured list.

Jeff Fletcher has a valid question. Think of an instance when the Dodgers might be losing by two runs in the top of the ninth inning and Ohtani manages to hit a three-run homer. Then what’s going to happen? Ohtani’s surgically fixed UCL tear might not be able to handle the amount of effort required to throw sliders and curveballs after making such massive hits. After all, it requires good precision, high speed, and swift hand movement.

True that Shohei Ohtani did shine as a closer only once earlier. But according to Fletcher, he got a bit lucky that day. “He didn’t have to bat, and it was a replay review, which stretched that inning another three or four minutes and gave him some more time to warm up down there.” Seems like another set of debates is brewing.

Even after that, there’s no denying the benefit the Dodgers can get when Ohtani gets back to the mound.

Shohei Ohtani’s pitching move to Petco Park may be impactful

The Los Angeles Dodgers are being cautious every step of the way when it comes to Shotime. Still, during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Ohtani suffered a hit on his left foot by Matt Svanson. He was all set to face the hitters on Monday, but the sudden hit delayed his live practice to Tuesday at Petco Park.

The good news is: This has not caused any significant impact on his timeline. He will continue to throw pitches every week and, at the same time, continue as a hitter for the Dodgers.

Fortunately, Shohei Ohtani has been throwing 50-plus pitches, which is more than the number of pitches he threw earlier. More importantly, he also faced some live batters in the simulated game sessions. His pitches touched the mid-90s mph, which is also a good sign.

Even though the hit to his foot is not that serious, his live BP will be on hold till Tuesday. But he will be ready to play in the series opener against the San Diego Padres on Monday. Hopefully, his practice sessions in Petco Park will also give us an overview of his progress in the upcoming times.

Despite the increase in workload for Shohei Ohtani, there’s no sign of slowdown. Ohtani remains active, and once he is able to pitch for the Dodgers this year, their entire lineup will find a major boost, too. 

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