Ohtani closes the book on pitching
July 3. That was the last time Shohei Ohtani stood on a big league mound, and it will stay that way until next spring. The Japanese star confirmed it on Sunday night, moments after the Dodgers’ 6-3 win over Cincinnati. “Most likely not, and I’ll focus on hitting from here,” he said through his interpreter.
A left knee issue kept him off the mound first. Then came right biceps pain and neck trouble, which ruled him out of four games. He came back as the designated hitter and went 0 for 3.
Ohtani is owning it. “I’m convinced my overall performance will be better. My biggest concern was that pitching could lead to the worst-case scenario, where I couldn’t play at all.”
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Los Angeles protects its investment
Dave Roberts had laid the groundwork before the game. The Dodgers manager said the staff had “put pitching on hold” so Ohtani could focus on hitting and running. “It’s best for the team, and it’s best for him. He loves pitching, he loves being a two-way player, but right now it makes no sense.”
The numbers on the mound make the decision a costly one to walk away from. Fourteen starts, 8 wins and 2 losses, a 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 and one-third innings. Ace-level stuff.
At the plate, the line is even more eye-catching: a .277 average, .380 on-base percentage, .522 slugging, 30 home runs and 80 RBIs. His last seven games told a different story, though. Two hits in 26 at-bats, a .077 average, with no extra-base hits and no RBIs. The day off did not fix it.
A past decision that gives the Dodgers comfort
Ohtani has already gone through a full season without pitching. In 2024, after right elbow surgery in September 2023, he did not make a single start. He still put together a historic offensive season and helped carry Los Angeles to the title. The Dodgers have done it again in 2025.
At 32, a six-time All-Star and four-time MVP, the Japanese star knows what a healthy body is worth in September. “It’s disappointing, but I want this season to be a lesson and something I can use to improve next year.”
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