Shohei Ohtani’s return to his signature two-way role with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been one of baseball’s most captivating stories this season. After a second Tommy John surgery, the Japanese superstar has found a tricky balance between his powerful bat and a cautious, step-by-step return to pitching.
The Dodgers, feeling the heat in the playoff race, lean hard on Ohtani’s contributions. But their recent struggles remind us—one generational talent can’t patch up every hole in a team.
Ohtani’s Comeback as a Two-Way Superstar
After months of rehab, Ohtani slowly ramped up his workload this year. In June and July, he ran the bases with noticeable caution, clearly trying to avoid putting extra stress on his body.
Now, in August, his style feels bolder. As the Dodgers’ postseason hopes wobble, he’s pushing himself, doing whatever he can to pull the club forward.
A Measured Return to Pitching
Manager Dave Roberts doesn’t want Ohtani pitching marathon games this season. They’re keeping him to about six innings or fewer per start, aiming to protect him for the long haul.
It’s part medical advice, part strategy for the Dodgers’ future. On the mound, Ohtani hasn’t disappointed.
He’s posted a 3.47 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 23⅓ innings. His fastball is up to a ridiculous 98.3 mph on average, and his slider—well, hitters are missing it over half the time, with an absurd 56.5% whiff rate.
That pitch just isn’t getting hit hard, period. Right now, it might be one of the nastiest sliders in the league.
Technical Adjustments for Longevity
Ohtani’s made some under-the-radar tweaks to his mechanics this year. Instead of only pitching from the stretch, he’s brought the windup back into his routine.
This switch seems designed to spread out the workload on his body, hopefully steering clear of the injuries that have haunted him before.
Dominance at the Plate
His pitching draws headlines, but Ohtani’s hitting is just as jaw-dropping. His .284/.391/.629 slash line puts him among the game’s most feared bats.
He’s cranked 43 home runs and stolen 17 bases. That’s MVP stuff, no question.
Interestingly, his batting average dips on days he pitches. Even Ohtani, it seems, can’t completely shake off the toll of double duty.
Inside the Mind of a Two-Way Phenom
Teammates and coaches rave about Ohtani’s preparation. They talk about his discipline, his focus, and his almost superhuman ability to juggle life as both an ace and a cleanup hitter.
Still, everyone around him knows this isn’t an overnight return to full-blown two-way dominance. It’s a journey—one that’ll take patience, some trial and error, and probably a few more surprises.
The Dodgers’ Bigger Picture
Despite Ohtani’s brilliance, the Dodgers have watched their division lead slip away. The San Diego Padres are charging, and LA’s bullpen just hasn’t been able to slam the door in close games.
Every start Ohtani makes feels heavier. But even with all his heroics, baseball’s a team sport. One player can only do so much, no matter how dazzling his talent.
Final Thoughts: A Balancing Act in the Spotlight
Ohtani’s 2024 season with the Dodgers really feels like a snapshot of his whole career. He blends jaw-dropping moments with a steady, almost cautious discipline.
His base running looks bold again. That fastball? Still blazing. He brings power at the plate, never just coasting along.
But you can’t ignore the innings limits or those occasional dips. His journey, for now, still needs careful management instead of just letting him run wild.
Dodgers fans get a mix of excitement and nerves watching him juggle both roles. The bullpen’s a headache, and the division race isn’t slowing down.
Still, when Ohtani’s healthy and locked in, hope sticks around. Maybe he’s the one who’ll tilt the whole playoff race when it matters most.
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Here is the source article for this story: ‘It’s just not worth it’: Why the Dodgers won’t rush Ohtani — no matter their record
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