Shohei Ohtani's Injuries Raise Two-Way Future Questions

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Shohei Ohtani’s Struggles Raise Questions About His Two-Way Future

Shohei Ohtani looks rigid, stiff and a half-second late at the plate. His recent form has raised questions about whether his knee, shoulder or another lower-body issue is affecting him more than initially thought. Since August 18, he is hitting .154 and has not homered.

This could be an important offseason for Ohtani as he focuses on getting healthy. It also raises a larger question: How much longer can he continue handling the demands of both pitching and hitting?

It felt like Ohtani pushed to pitch this season because he wanted to chase a Cy Young Award. His pitching numbers were among the best in baseball, but the wear and tear appeared to affect him. When he pitched, his hitting declined, offering the first real indication that maintaining both roles may be becoming more difficult.

Moving him to the bullpen would not be a simple solution because it would create complications with keeping him in the game as a hitter. He may continue starting, but it is fair to wonder how much longer the arrangement can last.

The Dodgers must eventually decide whether Ohtani’s long-term future is primarily as a pitcher or a hitter. The preference would be to keep him hitting for as long as possible, especially if pitching is contributing to his decline at the plate.

Los Angeles also has other potential pitching options. Justin Wrobleski pitched well, Sasaki could return to the rotation, and the Dodgers have consistently found arms. Given those alternatives, the team may not have needed Ohtani to pitch this season, even though he wanted the opportunity and appeared capable of competing for a Cy Young Award.