The Los Angeles Dodgers have had an offseason not like some other, however one in all their best pitching additions in 2025 was already on the roster.
It’s laborious 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 together with his new crew.
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Shohei Ohtani got here to MLB in 2018 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. In one thing that seems 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 identified that the two-way star would solely be hitting in 2024.
As he took the additional time to develop his offensive recreation together 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 just scratching the floor.
Ohtani is ramping up his return to the mound by throwing bullpen periods and dealing on a Could return to pitching. Supervisor Dave Roberts spoke on if Ohtani has shocked the group together with his restoration to this point this spring.
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“Sure, given who the participant is and who the particular person is,” Roberts stated, “however there’s nonetheless a course of that we’re going via. He simply understands that we’ve received a protracted season to go, so he’s type of purchased into no matter we’d like from him.
“However very shocked how fast it’s gone and seeing that is nice.”
Ohtani was unquestionably one of many pillars L.A. relied upon on its strategy to the World Collection, however Ohtani furthering his baseball legacy to make a return to the bump goes to offer 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 should not simply spectacular for an offensive expertise like Ohtani, however for any pitcher in baseball.
Picture Credit score: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Photos
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