LA Times “We will be in a state where we can get 3 outs in October”
Director Roberts: “It’s not like it’s absolutely impossible… but it’s not worth it.”
Will Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers), who is focusing on hitting, be able to pitch in the postseason?
The Los Angeles Times published an article on the 13th (Korean time) arguing that Ohtani should be used as a postseason relief pitcher.
The outlet reported, “Ohtani is practicing pitching on the mound and is expected to pitch against the Dodgers, his teammate, in a few weeks,” adding, “He may not be able to start as a starting pitcher yet, but he will be able to pitch occasionally in October and get three outs.”
He emphasized, “Don’t you want to give the best moment to the best pitcher?” “There are countless reasons why you shouldn’t let Ohtani pitch in the postseason, but there’s no reason more important than the one reason to let him pitch. He can lead the Dodgers to the championship parade.”
This means that if there is a reliable bullpen pitcher like Ohtani, they can add more strength to their bid for victory.
Otani, who reigns as a superstar, has swept the major leagues while playing both pitcher and hitter, a rare feat in modern baseball.
However, he underwent elbow surgery late last year and is only playing as a hitter this year.
As a pitcher, he is nearing the end of his rehabilitation process. On the 11th, he threw 20 pitches in the bullpen, the most since his surgery.
The media’s view is that at the current rate of rehabilitation, he will be able to pitch in relief for short innings by next month when the postseason begins.
Attention was also paid to the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), where Ohtani appeared as a relief pitcher and completed Japan’s victory. At that time, Ohtani, who played for Japan, appeared as a relief pitcher in the final against the United States and struck out Mike Trout (LA Angels) to confirm Japan’s victory.
The media predicted, “He is physically capable of doing it and has already done it successfully. Considering how badly he wants to win, (Ohtani) will definitely have the will to do it.”
The commanding officer said that while he did not completely rule out the possibility, it was actually quite unlikely.
“I’m not going to say never,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We’re not going to close the door 100 percent.”
However, he stressed that the likelihood of that actually happening is very low.
“If I were writing a movie script or a book, it would make sense for him to come in and pitch at the last minute while he’s rehabbing,” he said. “But the problem is, realistically, he hasn’t pitched in over a year. If he throws and it goes wrong, there’s a chance he could get hurt. I don’t think it’s worth it.”
The Dodgers signed a 10-year, 700 million won mega-contract with Ohtani ahead of this season. If he gets injured again due to overuse during his rehabilitation, delaying his return to the mound, it would be a huge loss for the Dodgers.
“This is not something we’re considering at this stage,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “He’s going through his rehab process.”
However, the media wrote, “He is Ohtani. He can do anything,” and that Ohtani, who is like a “unicorn,” can also play the role of a pitcher who saves the team.
Meanwhile, Ohtani, who has only been at bat this year, is fully showing off his presence as a batter and is challenging the first-ever 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. If he hits 47 home runs and steals 48 bases by this day and adds 3 home runs and 2 stolen bases, he will reach the unprecedented 50-50 milestone.
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2024-09-14 16:02:30