Don’t expect to see Shohei Ohtani on the mound in the 2024 playoffs.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes quelled any thought of Ohtani pitching this postseason as Los Angeles attempts to make a run for a World Series title.
“I think it’s no different than before,” Gomes told reporters, per MLB.com. “We don’t anticipate him pitching in the postseason.”
Ohtani has been throwing off the mound, which had left the door open for him possibly coming in to throw, but the Dodgers don’t appear to be willing to run the risk of him getting hurt by doing so.
Gomes also said that Ohtani would continue his throwing progressions and throw bullpen sessions during off days and before games.
However, he won’t face hitters.
The two-way sensation had major elbow surgery last September that prevented him from pitching this season, but it hasn’t impacted his hitting.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts kept the possibility open for Ohtani possibly pitching in the playoffs while speaking with the media in early September.
Although even then he acknowledged it was a long shot to happen.
“The problem is, in reality, he hasn’t thrown a leverage pitch in over a year. If he were to come out and it does go awry, it’s not worth potential injury. You just cannot duplicate the stress of that one inning. I just don’t think it’s worth it,” Roberts said.
Last month, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.
He had an MVP-caliber season at the plate by hitting .310/.390/.646 with 38 doubles, seven triples, 54 homers, 130 RBIs and 59 steals.
“People just like to watch greatness,” Roberts said at the time, “and he’s going to go down as one of the greats of all time.”
