Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 Season: Dodgers Confirm “Very Unlikely” He’ll Pitch in Japan
It’s official: Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar who has already cemented his place in baseball history, is not expected to pitch when the Los Angeles Dodgers open their 2024 season in Japan next March. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news during the first day of the Winter Meetings, stating it’s “very unlikely” Ohtani will take the mound in Tokyo. While fans in his home country may be disappointed, the decision is all about the long game for the reigning World Series champions.
“I just don’t see us starting the clock in March to then think that we would keep that continuously going through October,” Roberts explained. “Then that would call for a break or reprieve in the middle of the season.”
Ohtani, who is coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, is still in the early stages of his recovery. This follows a year spent rehabbing from another surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). While the idea of Ohtani pitching in front of his home crowd in Japan was always a long shot, the Dodgers are taking a cautious approach to ensure he’s at his best when it matters most—down the stretch and into the postseason.
Dodgers’ Unconventional Start to 2024
The Dodgers will kick off their season with two games against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18 and 19. After that, they’ll return to the U.S. and wait another week before resuming their regular season. This unusual schedule adds another layer of complexity to Ohtani’s recovery timeline.
Currently, Ohtani has been playing catch from about 60 feet, but the Dodgers are taking a methodical approach to his throwing program. As for his hitting, the timeline is more optimistic. Ohtani has yet to start swinging a bat, but getting ready to hit in a major league game requires significantly less buildup than pitching.
“What we feel like is most important is that he is ready to pitch at his highest level when the games matter the most,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said. “Early-season games are very important, but we feel like if we can get him to a position where he is peaking towards the end of the season, that is the ideal scenario.”
Dodgers’ Offseason Moves and Remaining Needs
Even with Ohtani’s pitching status up in the air, the Dodgers have been busy this offseason. They’ve already made some splashy moves, including signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract and agreeing to a one-year, $17 million deal with corner outfielder Michael Conforto. Additionally, they brought back Blake Treinen on a two-year, $22 million deal.
But the reigning champs aren’t done yet. Here’s what’s still on their to-do list:
- Adding more back-end bullpen help
- Being aggressive suitors for Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki
- Re-signing franchise icon Clayton Kershaw
- Potentially bringing back fan favorite Teoscar Hernandez
One position they won’t be looking to fill? Shortstop. That’s because Mookie Betts is preparing to take over the role full-time.
Mookie Betts: From Right Field to Shortstop
Betts, a six-time Gold Glove winner in right field, has been training as a shortstop since the start of the offseason. The Dodgers are hoping to keep him in one position throughout the season, avoiding the constant shuffling that occurred last year.
“Mookie’s preparing as a shortstop,” Gomes said. “He’s ready for the challenge.”
Betts, 32, has long believed that transitioning to the infield would be easier on his body and help him age better into his 30s. Last season, he made 73 starts at shortstop, committing nine errors—eight of which were due to errant throws. Despite the growing pains, the Dodgers are confident in his ability to master the position.
“If you look at all of the most challenging parts of the position, he does really well,” Gomes said. “And where he struggled was throwing. You go watch him in right field, it’s one of the best arms in the game. It’s incredibly accurate. So those things that are most challenging to teach—getting off the ball, range, making exceptional plays, his pre-pitch timing—he nailed those.”
Betts’ move to shortstop also solidifies the rest of the Dodgers’ infield. Gavin Lux will remain the everyday second baseman, while Tommy Edman is expected to take over as the primary center fielder. Meanwhile, Conforto will be an everyday player in the outfield, and the team still has Andy Pages as an option for the other corner outfield spot.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers gear up for another championship run, all eyes will be on Ohtani’s recovery and Betts’ transition to shortstop. While the decision to hold Ohtani back from pitching in Japan may disappoint some fans, it’s clear the Dodgers are playing the long game. With a stacked roster and a clear plan, they’re poised to make another deep postseason run in 2024.
Originally Written by: Alden Gonzalez
