The Los Angeles Dodgers have had an offseason in contrast to another, however one in all their biggest pitching additions in 2025 was already on the roster.
It’s onerous to think about that the reigning Nationwide League MVP, who grew to become the primary participant ever to hit over 50 residence runs and steal over 50 stolen bases in the identical season, nonetheless has an entire different side of his recreation to unlock along with his new staff.
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Shohei Ohtani got here to MLB in 2018 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. In one thing that feels like a 1920’s baseball folktale, he wasn’t only a 20 residence run hitter, however a 3.31 ERA pitcher, as effectively.
Upon his arrival with the Dodgers — and the signing of his 10-year, $700 million blockbuster deal final offseason — it was recognized that the two-way star would solely be hitting in 2024.
As he took the additional time to develop his offensive recreation along with his third MVP award and opening the 50/50 membership, Ohtani was recovering from a UCL surgical procedure in his pitching elbow.
The uncommon greatness that was seen in his first of 10 seasons with the Dodgers is simply scratching the floor.
Ohtani is ramping up his return to the mound by throwing bullpen periods and dealing on a Might return to pitching. Supervisor Dave Roberts spoke on if Ohtani has stunned the group along with his restoration to date this spring.
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“Sure, given who the participant is and who the particular person is,” Roberts mentioned, “however there’s nonetheless a course of that we’re going via. He simply understands that we’ve obtained an extended season to go, so he’s type of purchased into no matter we want from him.
“However very stunned how fast it’s gone and seeing that is nice.”
Ohtani was certainly one of many pillars L.A. relied upon on its method to the World Collection, however Ohtani furthering his baseball legacy to make a return to the bump goes to present the defending champions an edge that no one else in MLB has on their roster.
As a pitcher, Ohtani has a profession 3.01 ERA, going 38-19 since 2018. His 608 strikeouts to solely 173 walks are usually not simply spectacular for an offensive expertise like Ohtani, however for any pitcher in baseball.
Picture Credit score: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Pictures
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