A Historic Season of Achievements
Shohei Ohtani delivered one of the most remarkable seasons in baseball history during his debut year with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2024, he soared to new heights, amassing career highs across multiple offensive statistics. His powerful bat produced 54 home runs, while his swiftness on the base paths helped him notch 59 stolen bases, earning him a distinguished place in the 50–50 club. This performance not only redefined his own limits but also underscored his unique capabilities as both a formidable hitter and a dynamic base runner.
Celebration and Recognition in Los Angeles
The Dodgers’ organization and its fan base celebrated Ohtani’s exceptional contributions with grand accolades. Wrapping up the season, the team captured a coveted World Series ring—a symbol of their collective triumph and Ohtani’s integral role in their playoff success. His stellar play earned him unanimous recognition as the National League MVP, highlighting a season that will be remembered for setting new benchmarks and inspiring admiration from his peers and supporters alike.
Navigating the Return to Two-Way Excellence
Despite the overwhelming successes, Ohtani faces an evolving challenge: his return to two-way responsibilities. The transition back into a dual role demands adjustments on the field, where balancing batting finesse with pitching prowess continues to test his adaptability and resilience. Sources close to the club informed that while fans and teammates remain enthusiastic about his potential, the pathway to regaining full two-way form is complex and requires meticulous preparation. The Dodgers are optimistic about his capabilities and resourcefulness, emboldened by a season that has already reshaped expectations in baseball.
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Faces Setback in Return to Pitching Mound
In 2024, his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani played a key role in the team’s winning its eighth World Series title in franchise history.
He became the first member of the 50-50 club as he hit .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 stolen bases, and a 1.036 OPS en route to his third MVP.
As great a season as Ohtani had, he was not able to showcase his full skillset as he did not take the mound. While he initially appeared to be on track to make his pitching debut with the Dodgers in May, that no longer looks like a sure thing.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts stated:
“As the game has intensified, his work playing in games, it was sort of trying to give him a little respite from the rehab and to slow him down. We’ve never really put a timeline on anything… We just felt that to intensify the bullpens alongside the intensity of the games wasn’t smart, so we just wanted to kind of slow-play it.
[We’re] just trying to make it a broad time to return. We just don’t know. I think that when he’s ready, when the process, the progression, as it’s going on, we’ll know. But I don’t want to put any kind of expectation on you guys or Shohei.”
Roberts noted that Ohtani is still playing catch to keep his arm in shape; however, the team is managing his workload. The two-way star has not thrown a bullpen session since Feb. 25, which was three days before his Spring Training debut as a designated hitter (DH).
He will not face live hitters until after the Dodgers return from the Tokyo Series in Japan on March 18 and 19. While May was originally the target for Ohtani’s Dodgers pitching debut, it is unclear if the star is on track to meet that timeline.
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