Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani May Never Be Fully Built Up as Pitcher This Year, Says Dave Roberts
When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Shohei Ohtani, the baseball world buzzed with excitement over the rare opportunity to see one of the sport’s greatest talents in a new uniform. Ohtani, the two-way phenomenon known for his historic achievements as both a pitcher and hitter with the Los Angeles Angels, represents a revolutionary force in baseball. Yet, as the 2025 season unfolds, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has offered a sobering perspective: Ohtani may never be fully built up as a pitcher this year.
This candid admission reflects a complex interplay of health management, workload considerations, and team strategy. It also raises significant questions about the balance between maximizing Ohtani’s extraordinary skills and safeguarding his long-term durability. This article delves into the details behind Roberts’ statement, the challenges Ohtani faces, and what this means for the Dodgers’ season and Ohtani’s career.
Shohei Ohtani’s Unique Role and Expectations
Shohei Ohtani has redefined the role of a baseball player in the modern era. As a two-way star capable of dominating on the mound and at the plate, he has drawn comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth while forging his own remarkable path. Ohtani’s ability to serve as both a frontline starting pitcher and a middle-of-the-lineup power hitter has been central to the Angels’ identity for several seasons.
When the Dodgers acquired Ohtani in the offseason, expectations soared. Fans and analysts anticipated Ohtani would continue to contribute heavily as both a pitcher and hitter, offering unparalleled versatility. However, Ohtani’s dual role presents unique physical demands, and managing those demands has become a key challenge for Dodgers’ coaching and medical staff.
The Physical Toll of Being a Two-Way Player
Pitching at the major league level is notoriously taxing on the arm, shoulder, and overall body. Combining this with the rigors of being a regular everyday hitter — with frequent at-bats, base running, and fielding responsibilities — compounds the strain. Ohtani’s historical injury history, including Tommy John surgery in 2018 and forearm issues in recent years, makes workload management paramount.
Dave Roberts’ cautious approach underscores the Dodgers’ prioritization of Ohtani’s long-term health over short-term maximization. “We want Shohei to be effective and healthy not just for this season, but for many seasons to come,” Roberts explained. “There’s a fine line between building up his innings and risking setbacks.”
What Does “Fully Built Up” Mean in This Context?
In baseball terminology, “building up” a pitcher generally refers to gradually increasing their workload — measured in innings pitched, pitch counts, and frequency of starts — to return them to full strength after injury or offseason rest. For Ohtani, the process is more intricate because it involves balancing pitching with his hitting duties and conditioning for both roles.
Roberts’ statement suggests that, given Ohtani’s current condition and the season’s demands, the Dodgers may not push him to his full previous pitching workload. This could mean fewer starts, limited pitch counts, or strategic rest days to reduce injury risk.
Current Status of Ohtani’s Pitching Workload
As of mid-2025, Ohtani’s pitching appearances have been carefully monitored. The Dodgers have limited his innings to avoid fatigue and reinjury, often using him in planned starts with pitch counts well below typical frontline starter norms.
This approach contrasts with traditional pitchers who might routinely exceed 100 pitches per outing and log 180-200 innings per season. Ohtani’s workload, given his hitting responsibilities, is being calibrated more conservatively.
Balancing Offense and Defense: The Hitting Component
While much of the focus is on Ohtani’s pitching, his offensive contributions remain vital. Ohtani is one of the most feared hitters in baseball, capable of delivering home runs, driving in runs, and generating excitement with his speed and baserunning.
Maintaining his offensive productivity requires regular plate appearances, which in turn influence his physical condition and recovery time. The Dodgers are tasked with managing this delicate balance — ensuring Ohtani remains a consistent threat at the plate without overtaxing him on the mound.
Injury History and Precautionary Measures
Ohtani’s medical history is a key factor in the Dodgers’ cautious approach. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018, he worked hard to rebuild strength and mechanics. However, pitching-related injuries remain a concern for all pitchers, especially those with a history of arm issues.
Additionally, Ohtani has experienced forearm tightness and soreness, prompting rest and recovery periods. These experiences have made the Dodgers particularly vigilant in monitoring his workload and physical feedback.
Strategic Implications for the Dodgers
The reality that Ohtani may never be fully built up as a pitcher this season affects Dodgers’ roster management and game strategy. The team cannot rely on Ohtani for a full complement of pitching starts as they might with a traditional ace.
This limitation places greater emphasis on the depth and effectiveness of the rest of the pitching staff. Dodgers’ starters and bullpen arms must absorb additional innings and maintain consistency to compensate for Ohtani’s restricted workload.
Offensively, the Dodgers may also need to ensure Ohtani’s impact remains strong despite his physical management. This could involve lineup adjustments and leveraging Ohtani’s skills in ways that minimize physical strain.
Comparisons to Past Two-Way Player Management
Historically, two-way players have been rare, and Ohtani’s situation is unprecedented in the modern game. The closest analogs, like Babe Ruth, eventually shifted focus exclusively to hitting due to the physical toll of pitching.
Ohtani’s continued two-way role is groundbreaking but necessitates new management philosophies. The Dodgers’ approach could set a precedent for how teams handle similar players in the future — emphasizing cautious workload progression and holistic health management.
Fan and Media Reactions
News of Ohtani potentially never reaching full pitching workload this season has sparked mixed reactions among fans and media. Some express disappointment, hoping to see Ohtani dominate more frequently on the mound. Others appreciate the prudent approach prioritizing longevity over short-term heroics.
Analysts recognize the challenge of balancing Ohtani’s rare skill set with injury prevention, often citing the Dodgers’ method as wise given the stakes.
The Long-Term View: Protecting a Generational Talent
Roberts’ transparency signals the Dodgers’ commitment to protecting Ohtani as a generational talent. Rushing Ohtani back to full pitching strength could jeopardize not only the current season but also his future effectiveness and career longevity.
This long-term perspective aligns with modern baseball’s emphasis on player health and analytics-driven decision-making. Protecting Ohtani now may pay dividends in sustained contributions over many years.
Potential Scenarios Moving Forward
If Ohtani’s pitching workload remains limited, the Dodgers will likely continue to innovate their usage strategies. This could include spot starts, bullpen appearances, or hybrid roles where Ohtani pitches fewer innings but remains effective.
Conversely, if Ohtani shows signs of improved endurance and health, the Dodgers might gradually increase his pitching innings. However, Roberts’ statement suggests cautious optimism rather than aggressive ramp-up.
Shohei Ohtani’s dual-threat brilliance remains a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ vision. Yet, Dave Roberts’ candid admission that Ohtani may never be fully built up as a pitcher this year reflects the complex realities of managing an unprecedented talent.
Balancing health, performance, and team needs requires adaptability, patience, and innovation. The Dodgers’ approach prioritizes Ohtani’s long-term health while maximizing his unique contributions. For fans, this means appreciating not only his moments of brilliance but also the careful stewardship behind the scenes.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Ohtani — a player whose impact transcends traditional roles and challenges baseball’s norms. Roberts’ transparency invites us to witness not only the feats but also the thoughtful management of a once-in-a-generation athlete navigating the demands of a new era.
