Los Angeles Dodgers Update Pitcher Rotation After Latest Big Shohei Ohtani News

With Shohei Ohtani officially returning to the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation—previously hanging together by threads of hope and bullpen scraps—may finally begin to resemble something like a functioning unit again.

Ohtani’s long-awaited start Monday night against the San Diego Padres marks his first appearance as a pitcher since August 23, 2023, when he was still a member of the Angels. Since then, the two-way superstar has endured multiple surgeries, changed teams, welcomed a child, and helped the Dodgers win a World Series—all without throwing a single pitch in a Major League game. Now, 664 days later, the reigning MVP is ready to work his way back into a rotation in desperate need of stability.

Even in a limited role—likely just an inning or two as the Dodgers ease him back—Ohtani’s presence will be a welcome shot of adrenaline for a staff currently down eight injured starters and six relievers. Among the most significant absences are Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and rookie standout Roki Sasaki, the latter of whom has been shut down indefinitely with a shoulder impingement. Glasnow and Snell are progressing but are still weeks away from returning.

Los Angeles Dodgers New Look Starting Pitching Rotation

MLB Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals 26410621 scaled e1750089420750

Tentatively, the Dodgers’ short-term rotation figures to include Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and Sheehan—with Kershaw also working his way back into form. It’s far from full strength, but it’s a step in the right direction for a team that’s been leaning heavily on its bullpen and AAA depth.

Ohtani’s career numbers remind us why even a short outing can make a difference. In 86 career MLB games, he’s posted a 3.01 ERA (142 ERA+) across 481 2/3 innings, along with a 3.51 strikeout-to-walk ratio and roughly 15 WAR as a pitcher, per Baseball Reference. When healthy, he’s not just a novelty—he’s a legitimate frontline ace.

For now, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the staff appear set on using Ohtani more like an opener than a traditional starter. His short stint on Monday may be followed by right-hander Ben Casparius, who was originally slated to start and is stretched out just enough to bridge the gap. The idea is to collectively get the length of a full start without overexerting anyone—particularly not a returning MVP with a surgically repaired elbow.

That strategy will be crucial this week. After Monday’s hybrid outing, the Dodgers face another bullpen-heavy game Tuesday, followed by what will likely be a limited return from Emmet Sheehan, who’s expected to be activated from the injured list for his first start of the season. While Sheehan doesn’t carry Ohtani’s fanfare, he could be another meaningful piece as Los Angeles tries to weather this stretch of attrition.

Ohtani may not be the savior just yet. But even in short bursts, he represents the one thing the Dodgers have lacked most in recent weeks: hope on the mound.

Subscribe to LAFB Network’s YouTube Channel

Mentioned In This Article:
0What do you think?Post a comment.