Don't expect to see Shohei Ohtani on the mound in the 2024 playoffs.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomez completely shot down the idea of Ohtani pitching this postseason as Los Angeles continues its push toward a World Series title.
“I don't think it's going to be the same as before,” Gomez told reporters. According to MLB.com. “We don't expect him to pitch in the postseason.”
Ohtani continues to throw from the mound, leaving open the possibility that he could come and pitch, but the Dodgers don't seem willing to risk him getting hurt by doing so.
Gomez also said Ohtani will continue to improve his pitching and will pitch in the bullpen on off days and before games.
However, he does not play against batters.
The two-way sensation underwent major elbow surgery last September, which kept him from pitching this season, but it hasn't affected his batting.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left open the possibility of Ohtani pitching in the playoffs in an interview with the media in early September.
Still, he acknowledged that it's a long way off from happening.
“The problem is, really, he hasn't thrown a leverage pitch in over a year. If he comes out and it doesn't work out, there's no chance of him getting injured. Reliving the stress of that 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, hitting .310/.390/.646 with 38 doubles, seven triples, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases.
“People just love watching great people,” Roberts said at the time. “And he will go down as one of the all-time greats.”
