Just ln:Dave Roberts Just Announced That Star Faces Setback After Surgery And May Likely Not…

LOS ANGELES – In a disappointing turn for baseball fans in Japan and around the world, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to take the mound in the season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news, citing Ohtani’s recovery from offseason shoulder surgery as the primary reason for his absence from pitching duties.

The Dodgers and Cubs are set to open the 2025 MLB season with a two-game series at the Tokyo Dome on March 20-21. The event was highly anticipated, especially for Japanese fans eager to see Ohtani pitch in his home country for the first time as a Dodger. However, Roberts’ latest statement suggests that the two-way phenom will not be ready to pitch by then.

Ohtani’s Road to Recovery

Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, underwent surgery on his right elbow in September after suffering a UCL tear late last season with the Los Angeles Angels. The injury prevented him from pitching in the latter half of the 2023 campaign, though he continued to contribute as a designated hitter.

While the exact details of his recovery timeline have not been publicly disclosed, Ohtani and the Dodgers have made it clear that his primary focus is on returning to full health. Roberts acknowledged that while Ohtani’s hitting progression has been positive, his pitching status remains uncertain.

“Right now, I’d say it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to pitch in Tokyo,” Roberts told reporters. “We’re taking things one step at a time and making sure he’s in the best position to contribute for the long haul.”

Dodgers’ Pitching Plans Without Ohtani

With Ohtani sidelined from the rotation, the Dodgers will have to adjust their pitching plans for the high-profile international series. The team boasts a deep pitching staff, including offseason acquisitions Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom could start in Tokyo.

Yamamoto, the 25-year-old Japanese ace, would be a natural choice to pitch in front of his home country’s fans. The Dodgers secured his services in a blockbuster $325 million deal this winter, and a potential season-opening start in Tokyo would be a special moment for him and Japanese baseball fans.

Glasnow, acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, is also expected to be a key part of the rotation. With Ohtani unable to pitch, the Dodgers could rely on a combination of Yamamoto, Glasnow, and Walker Buehler to carry the early-season workload.

Ohtani Still Expected to Play as a Hitter

Despite his absence from the pitching mound, Ohtani is still expected to take part in the Tokyo series as a designated hitter. His bat remains one of the most dangerous in baseball, and Dodgers fans will be eager to see him debut in Dodger blue.

During the 2023 season, Ohtani hit .304 with 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a 1.066 OPS, earning his second American League MVP award. If his recovery stays on track, he will be a crucial part of the Dodgers’ offensive firepower in 2024.

His presence in the lineup should still make the Tokyo series a spectacle, even if fans won’t see him on the mound.

What’s Next for Ohtani?

While missing the opportunity to pitch in Tokyo is a setback, Ohtani’s long-term health remains the top priority for the Dodgers. The team is hopeful he will be ready to resume his two-way role later in the 2024 season.

For now, the focus is on his hitting and ensuring he returns to pitching at full strength when the time is right. Dodgers fans, Japanese supporters, and the entire baseball world will be eagerly watching his progress in the coming months.

Though he won’t be pitching in Japan, Ohtani’s presence alone ensures that the Tokyo series remains one of the most highly anticipated events of the upcoming MLB season.