Enough is enough. The Dodgers must stop letting Shohei Ohtani pitch

Shohei Ohtani does not require surgical intervention during the upcoming offseason, according to Los Angeles Dodgers leadership. The franchise expects the star to continue serving as a two-way player in the 2027 season. Andrew Friedman, the team’s president of baseball operations, stated explicitly that surgery is not an option for the Japanese superstar. This confirmation came amid intense internal debate regarding the physical toll of maintaining Ohtani’s dual role as both a full-time hitter and pitcher. Freedman addressed reporters at a postseason news conference held on Wednesday. He expressed enthusiasm for Ohtani’s continued presence on the mound, describing the value of his pitching as incredible. However, Friedman acknowledged the logistical difficulty of managing the player’s workload over a seven-month regular season. The primary objective is to keep Ohtani at peak performance levels heading into October. When pressed on whether a pitcher of Ohtani’s age could sustain a full campaign as a two-way player, Friedman admitted uncertainty. He noted that finding the optimal method requires significant effort from the entire organization. Critics argue that the current approach is unsustainable. Reports indicate that Ohtani’s pitching duties are contributing to exhaustion and distraction, which have negatively impacted his batting mechanics. This decline in hitting form may have contributed to the Dodgers failing to secure a third consecutive championship. The team recently suffered a sweep in Game 4 against the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite these setbacks, Ohtani remains committed to his dual role. In a locker room interview following the loss, he firmly confirmed his intention to pitch next season. Ohtani signed a ten-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers based on his unique ability to excel in both positions. This deal transformed the franchise into a global commercial entity, leveraging his international popularity and status as one of baseball’s greatest players. Over the last three seasons, he has led the team to two World Series titles. At 32 years old, with thirteen professional seasons behind him, concerns persist that his body is struggling under the strain. Some observers suggest the organization should consider removing him from the mound permanently or exploring trade options if he refuses to alter his routine. However, the Dodgers publicly stand by their decision to retain him as a pitcher. Ohtani holds a no-trade clause, giving him control over his future with the club. While some view the situation as a critical risk to the team’s offensive output, management maintains that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The focus now shifts to how the staff will structure his schedule to mitigate injury risks. No definitive solution has been announced yet. The organization continues to evaluate methods to balance his health with competitive demands. Ohtani’s commitment to pitching remains unchanged, setting the stage for another complex season ahead.