When it is Shohei Ohtani, headlines are inevitable. Whether he is rewriting baseball history or idly gorging himself on 19 rice balls in one sitting, the spotlight always follows. Fans were unable to avoid thinking of Ohtani’s incredible 2024 season as he took the field for spring training this Friday. The Japanese star smashed 54 home runs and 1.036 OPIs in 159 games, putting up MVP-caliber data. His dominance earned him a third MVP award, a third Silver Slugger, and—most importantly—his first World Series ring. But after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, questions loomed: Could he still be that same explosive force in 2025?
Ohtani answered those doubts with a bang.
His return to baseball was not just a moment—it was a statement. First at-bat. Full count. Boom. In his first spring training game against the Angels, he hit a huge home run into the left-field stands. Ohtani came out and reassured everyone that he is still that man after months of treatment, uncertainty, and questions. And he did not stop there. His bat stayed sharp during his early spring appearances, and the Dodgers’ lineup was thrilled by his availability on the field. His comeback has been electrifying for fans. However, one thing they will not see much of in 2025 is Ohtani flying around the bases.
Dave Roberts has a plan, and it’s all about the long game. He’s limiting Ohtani’s stolen base attempts—not because of a lack of speed or aggression but because of preservation. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, the Japanese Babe Ruth is set to return to pitching, and the team will not risk his durability. “We want to keep him fresh and available for the long haul“, Roberts said. The numbers tell the story—Ohtani swiped 59 bags in 2024; however, projections for 2025 have him around 34. It is not related to restricting his talent. It is related to ensuring that when October rolls around, the Hank Aaron Award winner is still the unstoppable force the Dodgers need.
The Dodgers contingency plan without Shohei Ohtani
There is no replacing Shohei Ohtani; however, if the Dodgers are forced to manage, they have the depth to stay competitive. One vital outcome is shifting Freddie Freeman to the designated hitter role. Freeman dealt with an ankle injury late last season. Reducing his defensive workload would keep his bat in the lineup. Such a move would enable Max Muncy to slide over to first base. In this place, Muncy has logged over 300 games in his career. Defensively, this could stabilize the infield, as Muncy’s glove at first would enhance their setup compared to his usual third-base duties.
Beyond the infield, the outfield will be a vital adjustment area. The Dodgers have options to adjust their lineup based on needs. They could turn to Andy Pages for power or Miguel Rojas for defense. Pages could add more pop to the lineup after highlighting his power in Game 5 of the NLCS with two home runs. Rojas, meanwhile, provides a more defensive strategy that fortifies their stability during pivotal times. Another degree of flexibility is added by Tommy Edman’s adaptability. It enables the Dodgers to modify their lineup on the basis of the games. The team has a backup plan to stay in the World Series hunt. However, no approach can truly replace Shohei Ohtani’s availability.
Shohei Ohtani is a generational talent, and generational talent cannot be replaced.
The Dodgers have the depth to adjust, the talent to compete, and the strategy to adapt. But when October arrives, will all that be enough?
That’s the question only time, and the postseason, will answer.
The post Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Confirms He’ll Limit Shohei Ohtani’s Hitting Numbers in 2025 Due to One Reason appeared first on EssentiallySports.