Dodgers Eye Shuhei Ohtani as "Game-Changer" Pick for 2023 Season
The Dodgers have revealed their plan for Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher now that he is back from the World Baseball Classic.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have revealed their plan for Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher now that he is back from the World Baseball Classic. Ohtani was only hitting during the WBC, serving as the designated hitter. He was fantastic throughout, powering the Japanese team, which had some flaws, into the knockout round, though his play was not enough against Venezuela.
Now, he is back at Camelback Ranch to get ready for the MLB season, when he will be both pitching and hitting. His double-duty responsibilities mean that Ohtani will be limited in terms of how much he can truly pitch compared to a normal starting pitcher. Feb 21, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images According to manager Dave Roberts , Ohtani will be pitching at least three to four innings at the start of the season, using him as an extended opener. As he gets warmed up and if he responds well to the limited workload, the righty will likely get a more traditional six-to-seven inning workload.
Additionally, the manager said that Ohtani will be throwing a bullpen session, with a potential Spring Training start in the cards if his bullpen sessions go well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation) Shohei Ohtani’s WBC pitching preparation While with Japan, Ohtani was still working on his pitching despite not making an appearance in the game. He was given a plan by the Dodgers’ pitching staff to ramp up and prepare.