Shohei Ohtani Makes Disappointing Playing Decision After Pitching Return
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have been encouraged by the gradual return of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to the mound. But gaining Ohtani the ace might mean some losses for Ohtani the base runner.
While staying off the mound in his debut season with the Dodgers following an elbow surgery, Ohtani earned his third Most Valuable Player award after logging 54 homers and 59 steals and becoming the inaugural member of Major League Baseball's "50-50 club." And now that he's working his way back to a full starter's pitching workload, that on-base production has taken a marked dip.
Ohtani has stolen only 11 bases so far this year as the season reaches its midway point as he's decided to change that aspect of his play.
"As Ohtani returns to pitching, there are new factors the Dodgers will have to monitor in his all-around performance," Jack Harris noted for the Los Angeles Times. "Already the reigning MVP has cut down on his base-stealing while ramping up as a pitcher: After swiping 11 bags in his first 50 games, he hasn't even attempted a steal since throwing his first live batting practice session on May 25."
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks during the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by...
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks during the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) More
Wang/Getty
The Dodgers won't quibble with Ohtani's offensive production as he works back toward his frontline form on the pitching mound. The team has many more productive hitters than it has healthy starters at the moment. And Ohtani still logged a three-run triple and a two-run homer after serving as the opener in Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals.
But as his pitching workload increases, he might pull back even more on offense.
"His place in the leadoff spot could be altered on days he pitches as well, with (manager Dave) Roberts leaving open the possibility of moving him down in the batting order to give him more time to transition from pitcher to hitter," Harris added. "Before they begin adding to his pitching workload, they want to make sure they've accounted for any unintended side effects."
Ultimately, it seems that Ohtani won't be able to accrue as many total bases while also serving as a pitcher for the Dodgers. And while that's a disappointing decision for those who enjoyed his 50-50 production, it seems like a necessary one.
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