Shohei Ohtani discusses pitching rehab in meeting with Dodgers

Dodgers officials, including president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, met with Shohei Ohtani last Sunday to discuss the pitcher’s rehab program. The meeting did not result in any firm decisions regarding Ohtani’s pitching progression next month, when he will also be the designated hitter in the postseason. The focus was on balancing Ohtani’s pitching rehab with his playoff duties, as they anticipated this challenge back in spring training. The meeting laid out potential options for Ohtani to consider in order to set him up for a return to full-time pitching in 2025. One option discussed was having Ohtani face hitters in live batting practice in October, which could help him ramp up for next season. However, this approach could also pose risks, such as fatigue from pitching followed by hitting in a playoff game. Ohtani did not express a preference for his October plan during the meeting, but asked questions of the medical staff. The next step is for Ohtani to progress with bullpen sessions before another meeting with the club to decide his pitching rehab strategy. While the possibility of Ohtani pitching in relief during the playoffs was briefly raised, it is not a current consideration for the team. The primary focus for Ohtani and the Dodgers is to determine the best approach that balances his pitching rehab with his offensive production in the postseason. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure Ohtani’s long-term health and readiness for the upcoming season, even if that means sacrificing his pitching appearances in October for a better chance at a successful return in 2025.

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