“They Might Be Getting It Wrong”: Justin Steele Weighs In on Ohtani’s Comeback Plan

Shohei Ohtani is unlike any player Major League Baseball has seen in decades—a once-in-a-generation two-way phenomenon capable of dazzling on the mound and igniting offenses at the plate. His rare talent has captivated fans and analysts alike. Yet, the road back from injury is rarely straightforward, especially for a player with such unique demands on his body and skillset.

Recently, Chicago Cubs’ starting pitcher Justin Steele broke his silence regarding Ohtani’s ongoing comeback plan and expressed pointed concerns about how the Los Angeles Dodgers might be managing the superstar’s recovery and return. Steele’s comments have sparked fresh debate about the best path forward for Ohtani and the potential pitfalls in balancing his dual roles as a hitter and pitcher.

In this article, we’ll unpack Justin Steele’s insights, explore the challenges of Ohtani’s comeback, assess the Dodgers’ strategy, and consider what could be improved to maximize Ohtani’s health and performance moving forward.

The Context: Shohei Ohtani’s Injury and Comeback Journey

Shohei Ohtani’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. The Japanese phenom arrived in MLB in 2018 and quickly became a sensation for his rare ability to excel both as an elite pitcher and a powerful hitter. His 2021 MVP campaign remains one of the most remarkable individual seasons in baseball history.

However, Ohtani’s dual roles come with enormous physical demands. The strain on his body, especially his pitching arm and legs, is significant. In recent seasons, he has faced injuries that forced him to adjust his workload and rehab protocols.

His latest setback required a careful, calculated approach to his comeback—one that must balance the rigors of pitching and hitting with the need for rest and rehabilitation.

Justin Steele’s Perspective: Breaking the Silence

Justin Steele, a rising star in his own right with the Chicago Cubs, has remained relatively quiet about Ohtani’s situation until recently. But in candid remarks during an interview, Steele voiced concerns about the Dodgers’ handling of Ohtani’s return.

Key Points from Steele’s Comments

• Concerns About Workload Management: Steele suggested that the Dodgers might be pushing Ohtani too hard, risking setbacks by not giving the pitcher-hitter enough time to heal and gradually rebuild strength.
• The Complexity of Two-Way Recovery: He emphasized the difficulty in managing a player who must prepare for two physically demanding roles, noting that conventional pitching recovery plans might not be sufficient.
• The Need for Patience and Customization: Steele advocated for a more individualized approach, one that accounts for Ohtani’s unique situation and avoids rushing the timetable.
• Potential for Long-Term Harm: Steele warned that mismanagement could not only delay Ohtani’s return but also jeopardize the longevity of his career.

The Dodgers’ Current Comeback Strategy

The Dodgers have been cautious and meticulous in managing Ohtani’s recovery, aware of his immense value to the team. Their approach includes:

• Limited Pitching Starts: Reducing the frequency of Ohtani’s starts to allow for longer rest periods.
• Selective Hitting Days: Giving Ohtani days off from batting practice and games to conserve energy.
• Integrated Training: Coordinating between pitching coaches, hitting coaches, and medical staff to tailor workouts and monitor fatigue.
• Use of Technology: Employing data and wearable tech to track biomechanics and workload intensity.

Despite these measures, Steele’s critique implies that the strategy might still fall short in addressing the full scope of Ohtani’s needs.

The Challenge of Managing a Two-Way Superstar

Ohtani’s dual role is unprecedented in modern baseball. Managing a player who both pitches and hits at an elite level creates complexities that no traditional rehabilitation protocol fully addresses.

Physical Strain and Recovery Demands

• Pitching: Requires intense focus on arm health, recovery from high-velocity throwing, and managing cumulative fatigue.
• Hitting: Demands explosive lower-body movement, rotational power, and daily swings that stress muscles and joints differently.

Balancing these divergent demands challenges any medical and coaching staff. Overloading one aspect can impair performance in the other, making the balance delicate.

The Risks of Rushing the Comeback

Historically, pitchers returning from arm injuries have suffered setbacks when rushed back prematurely. For Ohtani, these risks are magnified by his hitting duties.

Potential Consequences

• Re-injury: Returning before full recovery can lead to flare-ups or new injuries.
• Performance Decline: Fatigue or pain may limit effectiveness on the mound and at the plate.
• Career Longevity: Poor management could shorten the prime years of Ohtani’s career.

Steele’s call for patience aligns with medical research emphasizing gradual progression, proper rest, and comprehensive rehab.

Balancing Team Needs and Player Health

For the Dodgers, the stakes are high. Ohtani is a central figure in their quest for championships, and fans expect him to perform at an MVP level. This pressure can sometimes conflict with the ideal medical approach, which prioritizes long-term health over immediate returns.

How the Dodgers Can Adapt

• Clear Communication: Ensuring Ohtani’s input and comfort guide the recovery timeline.
• Flexible Scheduling: Allowing for adjustments based on how Ohtani feels and performs in rehab.
• Holistic Support: Providing mental and physical resources to manage the stress of recovery and expectations.

What Could Be Done Differently?

Justin Steele’s comments highlight areas where the Dodgers might reconsider their plan:

• Extended Rest Periods: More frequent or longer rest days between pitching and hitting appearances.
• Progressive Load Management: Gradually increasing intensity rather than rushing back to full workload.
• Specialized Recovery Protocols: Tailored exercises and therapies that address both pitching and hitting stresses.
• Monitoring Psychological Factors: Recovery is also mental; managing stress and confidence is crucial.

Ohtani’s Own Role in the Comeback

Ohtani has repeatedly shown resilience and a team-first mindset. His willingness to adapt and communicate with coaches is vital in shaping a sustainable return.

He’s expressed patience and trust in the Dodgers’ staff but also advocates for listening to his body—a balance that the team must respect.

The Bigger Picture: Impact on Baseball

Ohtani’s comeback is more than a personal journey; it’s a test case for how MLB handles two-way players in the future. Success or failure will influence how teams approach developing and managing these rare talents.

If the Dodgers can find the right formula, it could revolutionize player health management and open doors for future two-way stars.

Justin Steele’s frank assessment serves as a timely reminder that managing a player like Shohei Ohtani demands patience, precision, and flexibility. The Dodgers’ approach, while thoughtful, may need recalibration to fully honor the complexity of Ohtani’s dual demands.

Ultimately, the goal is clear: to protect Ohtani’s health and maximize his impact—not just for this season but for years to come. With careful adjustments and collaboration, Ohtani can make a triumphant return that continues to redefine baseball excellence.