Shohei Ohtani’s likely pitching shutdown forces Dodgers to rethink October

Shohei Ohtani has returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup. His return to the mound appears considerably less likely.

Ohtani said Monday that he “most likely” will not pitch again this season as he continues dealing with discomfort involving his right biceps, left knee and neck.

The two-way superstar returned as Los Angeles’ designated hitter against the Cincinnati Reds after missing four consecutive games. He went 0-for-3 with a walk in the Dodgers’ 6-3 victory.

Having Ohtani back in the batting order is an enormous development. Losing him from the postseason rotation would still change everything about Los Angeles’ October plan.

Dodgers can no longer build rotation around Ohtani

Ohtani went 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts this season. That production would have made him one of the Dodgers’ most trusted postseason starters. His ability to dominate on the mound and then return to the top of the batting order would have provided an advantage no opponent could match.

Health has made that possibility difficult to plan around. Ohtani acknowledged that another pitching appearance this season is unlikely, while manager Dave Roberts said the club does not have a timetable for his return to the mound.

The Dodgers should treat that uncertainty as an answer.

Rather than holding a postseason rotation spot for a pitcher who might not return, Los Angeles can organize its staff around the healthy options currently available. That gives starters time to prepare for specific responsibilities and allows relievers to understand how their roles might change in a short series.

Clarity can be valuable, even when the news creating it is disappointing.

MORE: Blake Snell’s latest start gives Dodgers an answer while Shohei Ohtani sits

Ohtani’s offense remains essential

Ohtani entered Monday batting .277 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs. His recent production has slipped while he has managed several physical issues. Returning exclusively as a hitter should allow him to focus on rebuilding his timing without also preparing his body to pitch.

The Dodgers need the best offensive version of Ohtani more than they need an uncertain attempt to receive contributions from both sides. Los Angeles has navigated this situation before.

Ohtani did not pitch during the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run while recovering from elbow surgery. His presence in the lineup still gave Los Angeles one of the most dangerous offensive players in baseball.

The same formula could work again.

There will be understandable disappointment if Ohtani’s pitching season is finished. His performance across 14 starts created the possibility of one of the most fascinating postseason roles in recent memory.

The Dodgers cannot allow that possibility to create unnecessary risk.

Ohtani was signed to influence championship races for years, not to force an October return while managing three physical problems.

Los Angeles might have only half of its two-way superstar available this postseason.

That half remains capable of deciding the World Series.

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