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Some believe that a delayed return might suggest a lack of optimism regarding Ohtani’s ability to pitch effectively in the near future. Such a perspective indicates that this might be the beginning of transitioning Ohtani from a dual-role athlete to one who focuses primarily on hitting, similar to how the Yankees utilize Aaron Judge without expecting him to pitch.
The Pitcher-Hitter Dilemma
The Dodgers might not need Ohtani’s pitching prowess if their lineup remains strong and healthy. With star pitcher Clayton Kershaw and other talents like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and emerging Japanese prospects, the Dodgers have several options that can help balance the pitching rotation. Consequently, it seems they could navigate the season quite well without Ohtani on the mound.