Thanks to Shohei Ohtani’s power-hitting, we’re seeing a new chapter added to the history book of MLB. Every at-bat is an exciting spectacle, and every swing has the potential to be a highlight reel. He defines offense in the LA Dodgers. His homers have again found their way into the stands, but his pitching is still finding its way on the mound. A mystery in Dodgerland: Will he pitch or not? Adding to it, an MLB insider has just shed light on the very same question.
Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers’ 2025 season have been a rollercoaster ride, but it looks like they have finally found the rhythm. As of early May, he is hitting .296 with 11 home runs and a 1.032 OPS, greatly supporting the Dodgers’ excellent season, which has begun with a solid 26-13. Though he is offensively dominant, his pitching standing is still uncertain. Ohtani last threw a baseball in 2023, and soon he underwent Tommy John surgery in the same year. And the following year, did he pitch? No! But he achieved a historic 50-50 milestone—54 home runs and 59 stolen bases—and the Dodgers became the WC. So, is he pitching this year? No! But will he pitch?
So many questions, right? Do we finally have an answer? This MLB insider has dropped a prediction, though.
With the season unfolding, the MLB asked a bunch of insiders, among whom was Jake Mintz, who made predictions on Shohei Ohtani’s pitching. He wrote, “There’s a compelling argument that utilizing Ohtani, the pitcher, in the postseason represents an unnecessary risk.” “Because while L.A.’s starting staff has been decimated by injuries in 2025, there remains a strong chance that the Dodgers enter October with enough healthy, competent starters.” He pointed out a valid observation that the Dodgers might be winning, but the bullpen is dealing with injuries.
He further solidified his take on it. “So while everyone — except for opposing hitters — would love to see Ohtani on the bump in the postseason, what the people want and what’s optimal for his team might be two very different things.”
Even the man in charge, Dave Roberts, has said the same thing. He said, “It just seems like certain guys—and I could go back on each starter—but you’re still trying to manage their health and … [be] mindful of the innings that the bullpen is taking on and trying to stagger as much as you can and manage leverage and all that stuff.”
Ohtani’s offensive supremacy and the Dodgers’ pitching ailments make it very appealing to let him pitch in the postseason. However, the possibility of re-injury and its effect on his batting performance cannot be discounted. Though Ohtani’s pitching numbers—a 3.01 career ERA and 11.4 K/9—are remarkable, his current worth as a batter is unrivaled. The club has to balance whether the possible benefits on the mound justify the hazards to his health and offensive contributions.
Could the Dodgers, even with a possibly fit Ohtani, take a risk with his arm? That, my friends, is the million-dollar question—or maybe, the $700 million one. But given the problems the Dodgers are having right now, is the insider’s prediction that the pitching staff could be healthy in October and the club will no longer look at Shohei Ohtani correct?
The injury bug in the LA Dodgers
Injuries in the 2025 season have greatly affected the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff, creating problems for the team’s rotation and bullpen. Several important pitchers are still on the injured list in early May, which compromises the team’s depth and performance.
Among the injured pitchers is right-hander Evan Phillips, who was put on the 15-day injured list because of forearm pain. Phillips had only lately come back from a rotator cuff ailment that had sidelined him from the World Series roster last year. Over 61 bullpen appearances in 2024, he posted a 5-1 win-loss record, 18 saves, and a 3.62 ERA. The Dodgers thought they could fill in his place, but they got more injuries piling up in the roster.
Injuries to essential starters have also had an impact on the Dodgers’ rotation. Expected to return to the squad in mid-May, veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw is recovering from shoulder surgery. In 11 innings, Kershaw finished three rehab starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City, recording a 3.27 ERA and 10 strikeouts. Right-hander Tony Gonsolin is also healing from back tightness; when he will return is yet unknown.
These ailments have increased Shohei Ohtani’s need for a possible comeback to pitching. Having had Tommy John surgery in September 2023, Ohtani has not pitched since August 2023. Although his offensive contributions have been exceptional. Now, the Dodgers must consider the risks associated with his return to the mound, especially given the current situation of their pitching staff.
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