Dodgers Less Expectations On Top Pitchers Activeness Following His Injury Report
The Los Angeles Dodgers are not expecting Shohei Ohtani to pitch at the start of next season and will closely monitor his recovery following shoulder surgery on his non-throwing arm.
Ohtani underwent the procedure on Tuesday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury he suffered during a stolen base attempt in Game 2 of the World Series on October 26. The two-way star had already been sidelined from pitching this season after undergoing elbow surgery on September 19, 2023.
“We’ll take it step by step, working through this process and breaking it down into one- or two-week intervals,” said general manager Brandon Gomes on Wednesday. “We want to make sure we’re in a good place at each of those stages, without rushing or setting a firm deadline. We’ll let the rehab process dictate the timeline.
Ohtani and the Dodgers will open next season in Tokyo, facing the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series on March 18 and 19.
After inking a historic 10-year, $700 million contract, the 30-year-old Ohtani had an outstanding 2023 season, batting .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases. He made history as the first player ever to hit at least 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a single season.
“I think it’s safe to say he won’t steal 50 bases next year,” said general manager Brandon Gomes. “I have a hunch, but I don’t want to rule it out—never bet against Shohei.”
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