MLB》Shohei Ohtani will continue to play the second-hand style next year, Dodger GM reveals current plan

Shohei Ohtani. (File photo, Associated Press)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] Dodger Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani started the season with two goals, but "Pitcher Ohtani" was injured and shut down early after pitching for only half a season. "Hitter Shohei" was also affected by this, and his performance declined severely, becoming one of the main reasons why the Dodgers' dream of three consecutive championships was shattered. Ohtani will continue to challenge the second-hand style next year, and Dodge general manager Brandon Gomes revealed the current plan today.

Dodgers general manager Gomez was interviewed at the general manager's meeting today and was asked about a clear timetable for Shohei Ohtani to step on the mound next year. He said that it has not been determined yet and will not be discussed until the overall roster has a clearer outline. In other words, we must wait until the off-season reinforcements and other work are completed and the lineup for next year's football season gradually takes shape before further planning can be made.

Gomez also said: "Our goal all along is to think about how to arrange it so that all players can be in the best condition to face the game in October. This may be a cliché and it may sound boring, but especially for Xianghei, the most important thing is to return to 100% health first. We hope that he can spend the off-season in the usual way, and then further discussions will be based on the team lineup, starting rotation and other arrangements."

Gomez believes that in order for the Dodgers to regain the World Series championship next year, the most important thing at this stage is to allow Ohtani to fully recuperate in the off-season and adjust his body to its best condition.

Ohtani did not step on the mound until mid-season in order to return from his second right elbow surgery last season. When asked whether he might follow the 2025 arrangement next year, Gomez made it clear that even if he pitches and hits in a two-point style throughout the season this year, it does not mean that the same arrangement will be adopted next year.

Gomez emphasized that the important thing is to establish a proper arrangement to ensure that he can still stay healthy later in the season. Everyone knows how dominant he is on the mound. As for whether Otani has suffered other injuries due to his left knee injury, or what factors have affected his injuries this season, Gomez explained that there is no specific reason. It is a bit like the chicken or the egg problem.

Gomez said that the team hopes to fully communicate with the management and the players themselves, and then jointly plan how Ohtani will play next year. Finally, he added: "Shohei is willing to adopt arrangements that are most beneficial to him in order for the team to win. He values ​​the team's victory from the bottom of his heart and puts it as the highest priority. That is why this type of discussion is particularly important."