Dodgers’ Meeting with Shohei Ohtani Sparks Hope for a Pitching Comeback

In a surprising turn of events, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently revealed that the team had a pre-Winter Meetings meeting with Shohei Ohtani, where the possibility of Ohtani returning to the pitcher’s mound was discussed.

Key Takeaways:

• Shohei Ohtani underwent a second major elbow surgery during the 2023 season, raising questions about his future as a pitcher.
• Despite his injury, Ohtani’s remarkable skills at the plate make him a valuable asset and a highly sought-after free agent.
• Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about Ohtani’s return as both a pitcher and a hitter, envisioning multiple scenarios where he could excel.

In an unexpected development, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently disclosed that the team had a pre-Winter Meetings conversation with the versatile superstar, Shohei Ohtani. The focus of this intriguing meeting was centered on the intriguing question of whether Ohtani would return to the pitcher’s mound—a prospect that has captured the imagination of baseball enthusiasts and pundits alike.

When inquired about Ohtani’s arm condition on Tuesday, Roberts had this to say.

“I think our staff is confident that when the time is right,” Roberts said, “that he will pitch again. But I think that the thing for us is you’re making a bet on the person, and the player as well. When you’re committing this type of length and dollars, we’re all in on the person. I think that we’re willing and excited to make that bet and hopefully it comes to pass.”

Via Bob Nightengale, USA Today

During the 2023 season, Ohtani underwent his second significant elbow surgery, sparking speculation about his pitching career’s future. While there hasn’t been an official confirmation, there is a prevailing belief that his second elbow surgery may have indeed been a repeat of the Tommy John procedure he underwent in October 2018.

However, even if Ohtani were to abstain from pitching in the 2023 season, his incredible prowess at the plate would continue to make him a sought-after commodity. His hitting abilities are nothing short of extraordinary, cementing his status as a valuable asset and a potential MVP candidate. It’s these remarkable batting skills that set him apart from the competition.

Dave Roberts, ever the optimist, appears confident about Ohtani’s potential return to the pitching mound. The best-case scenario paints a picture of Ohtani returning to the game in a way that defies convention, continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in baseball. Alternatively, Ohtani could transition into a high-leverage reliever while maintaining his status as an elite hitter—a dual-threat that would be a boon for any team.

Both of these scenarios are enticing, especially if they unfold while Ohtani dons the Dodger blue. As the offseason unfolds, baseball fans eagerly await news of Ohtani’s future, hoping for an outcome that allows him to continue mesmerizing audiences on the mound and at the plate.

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