Los Angeles Dodgers Coach Provides Update On Shohei Ohtani Pitching In 2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers spent a massive amount of money to bring Shohei Ohtani to the team. It has paid off so far. The former Angel is hitting .364 with 12 home runs, 30 runs batted in, and 63 total hits. He is leading the league in many stat categories. This is just one-half of his game. Ohtani hasn’t pitched since joining the Dodgers as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery. While it was assumed he would not pitch in 2024, pitching coach Mark Prior offered a ray of hope in a recent interview.

Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani Pitching In 2024?

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be in the mix for a World Series this year. Barring things going completely off the rails, they have shown they will be playing playoff baseball in October. It would be a huge boost for them to be able to trot out Shohei Ohtani to the mound. Pitching coach Mark Prior said he hopes that can happen.

“We haven’t gotten too intimate on the pitching side other than starting the initial throwing program and we’ll see where he gets to by the end of this summer. Hopefully by playoffs he’s up on the mound and starting to face some hitters.”

Obviously, this is all speculation, but the fact Prior talked about Ohtani pitching this year is turning some heads. The first step will be for Ohtani to throw some simulated games. After that, he could start, but those would have to be flawless. Expect the Los Angeles Dodgers to use extreme caution with their star player.

Should Ohtani Pitch This Season?

As of right now, it doesn’t seem like the Los Angeles Dodgers need him to pitch in 2024. The staff has been great, led by Tyler Glasnow. It helps to have one of the best offenses in baseball backing up the pitching. Mookie Betts has been on a tear as well to start the season along with Shohei Ohtani. If the team keeps winning games like this, there won’t be pressure to get Ohtani back on the mound.

The Los Angeles Dodgers hope Ohtani can be ready to pitch by 2025. While his hitting is fantastic, what makes him so deadly is his two-way ability. Will we see Shohei Ohtani on the mound in 2024?