Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar, made a highly anticipated return to the baseball field with his Cactus League debut, signaling that he is back in top form. Ohtani showcased his offensive prowess by hitting his first home run of the preseason, a promising sign as he recovers from elbow surgery. However, as the Los Angeles Dodgers navigate the complexities of managing Ohtani’s workload in the 2025 season, questions loom over how they will balance his responsibilities as both a hitter and a pitcher.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is currently evaluating the best approach to ensure that Ohtani remains effective throughout the season. While there is no concrete plan yet regarding the number of at-bats Ohtani will have compared to last year, Roberts noted that adjustments will be essential to safeguard the player’s physical condition. The primary concern is to prevent excessive wear and tear, particularly on Ohtani’s legs, which could impact his pitching performance.
Roberts has indicated that while Ohtani may see fewer at-bats, the reduction will not be drastic. The organization is taking a cautious approach, with ongoing discussions about how to manage Ohtani’s game appearances and potential rest days surrounding his pitching outings. The manager emphasized the importance of monitoring Ohtani’s performance closely throughout the season and confirmed that it is still too early to establish specific plate appearance targets.
Last season, Ohtani was one of the most durable players in Major League Baseball, leading the National League in plate appearances. He was second in the overall rankings behind Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. During his time with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani often received rest days before and after pitching, a strategy that the Dodgers may consider to help balance his dual role this season.
So far, Ohtani has shown no signs of discomfort in his surgically repaired elbow, and the Dodgers’ medical team continues to monitor his progress to ensure his health throughout the season. Roberts praised Ohtani’s commitment to his recovery and the dedication he has demonstrated in rehabilitation and training.
As the Dodgers prepare for the season, the focus remains on how best to utilize Ohtani’s remarkable talent while prioritizing his long-term health. Fans and analysts alike are left to ponder whether the team should adopt a stricter plan to limit Ohtani’s workload or allow him to continue playing without restrictions. The organization’s decisions in the coming weeks will likely shape both Ohtani’s performance and the Dodgers’ chances in the upcoming season.