Dodgers Plan Shohei Ohtani Late-July Pitching Return Amid Injury Crisis

Shohei Ohtani continues to be a generational baseball talent, famously delivering clutch performances such as his go-ahead three-run homer to secure a Dodgers win against the Diamondbacks. Despite his offensive prowess, Ohtani has not pitched since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2023, with his return to pitching expected only after the All-Star break, as the Dodgers carefully manage his recovery amid a rotation plagued by injuries. There is speculation that the Dodgers may avoid using Ohtani as a pitcher in the postseason to minimize risk, even though he remains one of the most effective pitchers in the league. Off the field, Ohtani's agent revealed that his superstar earns significant income from around twenty sponsorship deals, complementing his record-breaking $700 million Dodgers contract, much of which is deferred, affecting its net present value. Additionally, Ohtani opted for a 10-year contract rather than a longer 15-year deal to preserve the integrity of his playing career and avoid decline in his later years. Overall, the Dodgers are balancing Ohtani's historic impact both on and off the field with cautious management of his health to sustain their championship aspirations.