Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound last summer was nothing short of spectacular. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, he reminded everyone why he's such a dynamic force as a two-way player.
The Los Angeles Dodgers took a careful approach, gradually building up his innings to ensure he was fully ready by the playoffs. By season's end, Ohtani had logged 67.1 innings, showcasing his resilience and skill.
This season, Ohtani is expected to be a regular fixture in the Dodgers' starting rotation. However, there's still some mystery surrounding his exact spot in the lineup and whether he'll be on a pitch count for his first start. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed Ohtani's role in the rotation but is keeping details close to the vest.
Currently, Ohtani is away from the Dodgers, representing Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He's serving exclusively as a designated hitter, so he won't be pitching during the tournament. This could mean a cautious start when he returns to the Dodgers, but Roberts is optimistic about Ohtani's untapped potential.
Roberts believes Ohtani has plenty more to offer. "I think there's certainly a lot more in there," Roberts noted, emphasizing Ohtani's disciplined work ethic and high expectations for himself. The manager even hinted that Ohtani aims to be in the Cy Young conversation, though the focus remains on health and consistent starts.
For Ohtani, staying healthy is the top priority. At 31, he's well aware that maintaining his health is key to any accolades that might come his way, including a potential Cy Young Award.
Through his interpreter, Ohtani expressed that while winning the award would be fantastic, his main goal is to remain healthy and pitch throughout the entire season. If that leads to a Cy Young, it would simply be the cherry on top.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Ohtani to see how he balances his dual roles and whether he can continue his ascent as one of baseball's most electrifying talents.