Shohei Ohtani’s Greatest Gift Becomes His Biggest Curse – Is His Pitching Career in Jeopardy?

Shohei Ohtani has spent his entire career defying expectations, rewriting history, and leaving baseball analysts scratching their heads. But now, as he prepares to return to the mound for the first time since August 2023, an unexpected obstacle has emerged—his own greatness.

His two-way brilliance made him the most electrifying player in Major League Baseball, but has it also made him the biggest liability? The Los Angeles Dodgers now face a dilemma: how do you manage a generational talent without breaking him in the process? And more importantly—who really gets to decide how Ohtani’s comeback unfolds?

Who’s Really in Control: Ohtani or the Dodgers?

Ohtani’s injury history looms over his highly anticipated return. The torn UCL in his right elbow forced him to shut down pitching in 2023, though it didn’t stop him from securing the American League MVP as a designated hitter. Now, the baseball world is watching closely, but there’s no blueprint for bringing back a player like him.

In a discussion on Foul Territory, host Scott Braun addressed this very issue, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s return. “The thing about his return that stands out to me is not the velocity, it’s just that he is on the mound and there is no past roadmap,” Braun said. Indeed, how do you manage the workload of a player who’s simultaneously an ace pitcher and a powerhouse hitter?

Former MLB catcher AJ Pierzynski didn’t hold back, arguing that Ohtani won’t have much say in the matter. “No, I think they are going to be careful and won’t give him control at all,” he stated. Unlike his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, where the team took a more flexible approach, the Dodgers might not be as willing to let Ohtani dictate his own usage.

“They are going to take this as slow as possible,” Pierzynski continued. “You won the MVP as a designated hitter last year. Go do that again.”

And that’s where things get interesting. Does Ohtani want to take things slow? His competitive nature suggests otherwise. Will the Dodgers force him into a role he doesn’t want? Or will he push back and demand to reclaim his two-way status as soon as possible?

The Biggest Challenge: Ohtani’s Unique Role

Ohtani’s situation is unlike anything MLB has seen before. Most pitchers coming off elbow surgery get sent down for minor league rehab starts. But here’s the catch: Ohtani is also the Dodgers’ most dangerous bat. They need him in the lineup, which means they can’t afford to send him down.

“You can’t send him down for a rehab assignment because he has to hit too,” Pierzynski pointed out. This complicates everything.

The Dodgers’ solution? Possibly easing him in with one-inning appearances to build up his endurance. However, even this approach could become problematic. If Ohtani is limited on the mound, how does that impact his mindset at the plate? Could an overly cautious return actually disrupt the rhythm that makes him such a force in the batter’s box?

It’s a balancing act unlike any other, and one that puts an unusual amount of power in the hands of the Dodgers’ front office.

The Dodgers’ Pitching Depth: A Blessing or a Curse for Ohtani?

The Dodgers are in an enviable position heading into 2025. Their pitching staff is stacked—arguably too stacked. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and a returning Clayton Kershaw, Ohtani isn’t just another piece of the rotation; he’s a luxury.

Pierzynski made this clear, saying, “They are going to have Sasaki, Glasnow, Snell, Yamamoto, May.” That’s a rotation that doesn’t need Ohtani to be a full-time starter. And if they’re playing it safe, why rush him back at all?

But here’s the problem: Ohtani doesn’t just want to pitch—his entire value is built on being a two-way phenomenon. If the Dodgers relegate him to a DH-only role for too long, does that erode his edge? Will he become restless watching others take the mound while he’s stuck in the dugout?

For Ohtani, sitting back and waiting has never been an option. But for the Dodgers, patience is key.

The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake?

Ohtani’s return to the mound isn’t just a Dodgers storyline—it’s a league-wide event. MLB has built its marketing machine around his otherworldly talent. A setback could be catastrophic, not just for the team, but for baseball as a whole.

The Dodgers have invested $700 million in Ohtani. They need him to succeed. But they also need to protect their investment, even if it means frustrating their superstar.

So, the real question remains: Will Ohtani’s competitive fire force the Dodgers’ hand? Or will the organization keep him on a leash, prioritizing longevity over spectacle?

Either way, one thing is certain: This will be one of the most scrutinized comebacks in MLB history.

Buckle up, baseball fans. The Shohei Ohtani saga is just getting started.