Dodgers’ risky plan for Ohtani’s return
The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to activate Shohei Ohtani from the injured list and have him play every remaining regular‑season game, a move critics say is risky. Ohtani’s injuries to his right arm and left knee have plagued him this season, and the team’s decision to prioritize at‑bats over recovery…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to bring Shohei Ohtani back from the 15‑day injured list and have him play in each of the five games that remain in the regular season. The move, announced by manager Dave Roberts, has sparked a debate over whether the team is putting the player’s health at risk in pursuit of playoff momentum.
Ohtani’s injury history and the Dodgers’ response
Ohtani, who has been a dual‑role star for the Dodgers, has been dealing with discomfort in his right arm and left knee since early in the season. The injuries first prompted the team to place him on the injured list, a decision that was met with skepticism from some front‑office officials. General manager Brandon Gomes publicly downplayed the severity of the injuries, suggesting they were not the cause of Ohtani’s recent hitting slump and that the player should not be placed on the IL.
When the player returned to the field, he described himself as “pain‑free,” but still acknowledged lingering discomfort that could be tolerated in a short‑term sense. Roberts noted that Ohtani’s condition had improved over the past two weeks, yet he was careful to say the player was not yet 100% healthy.
Why the Dodgers are pushing Ohtani back into action
According to Roberts, Ohtani needs live at‑bats to prepare for the playoffs. The manager emphasized that the player’s ability to contribute offensively is crucial for the Dodgers’ postseason ambitions. The decision to have Ohtani play in every remaining game is based on the belief that the short‑term risk is outweighed by the potential long‑term benefit of having a healthy, fully‑charged Ohtani for the playoffs.
Ohtani himself has expressed a desire to be an impact player during the postseason. In interviews before his stint on the IL, he stated that he did not expect to be at 100% for the remainder of the season but believed he could overcome his physical issues by adjusting his swing and approach.
Critics argue the plan is reckless
Opponents of the strategy point to the Dodgers’ past experience with Ohtani’s injuries. Earlier this month, the player had been placed on the IL after experiencing pain in his knee and arm. The team’s decision to downplay the injuries and keep him in the lineup ultimately led to a more serious issue, forcing Ohtani to miss additional time.
Critics argue that playing five consecutive games with lingering injuries could push Ohtani to a point where he is no longer able to perform at the required level, or worse, could lead to a more serious injury that would sideline him for the entire postseason. They suggest a more cautious approach, such as giving Ohtani rest days or limiting his playing time, would better preserve his health.
What the Dodgers can do to protect Ohtani
To mitigate risk, the Dodgers could consider a phased return for Ohtani, allowing him to play in a limited number of games with reduced innings or a reduced role in the lineup. The team could also increase medical monitoring and adjust his training regimen to address the specific areas of discomfort.
Ultimately, the decision rests on balancing the immediate competitive advantage of having Ohtani in the lineup against the long‑term health of a player who has already endured significant injury setbacks. The Dodgers’ front office and medical staff will need to collaborate closely to ensure that Ohtani’s return does not compromise his ability to contribute throughout the playoffs.
Next steps and unresolved questions
Ohtani is expected to be activated on Wednesday, and the Dodgers will begin the five‑game stretch with him in the lineup. The team’s performance in these games will be closely watched, as will Ohtani’s health metrics. Questions remain about whether the Dodgers will adjust their strategy if Ohtani’s discomfort worsens during the regular season or if the team’s playoff prospects shift.
As the Dodgers head into the final week of the regular season, the league will be watching to see if the risk paid off or if the team’s gamble leads to a missed opportunity in the postseason.
Key facts
- Ohtani will return to play every remaining game, a decision seen as risky by critics.
- The Dodgers’ past handling of Ohtani’s injuries has led to skepticism about the current plan.
- Ohtani himself is willing to push through discomfort to contribute in the playoffs.
- The team’s strategy balances short‑term gains against potential long‑term injury risks.
- Medical monitoring and phased returns are suggested alternatives to the current approach.
Why it matters
Shohei Ohtani’s health is pivotal for the Dodgers’ playoff hopes, and the team’s approach to his return reflects broader debates about player safety versus competitive advantage in professional sports.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Dodgers’ plan considered risky?
Because Ohtani’s right arm and left knee injuries have previously worsened when he played through discomfort, potentially jeopardizing his availability for the playoffs.
What is the Dodgers’ rationale for playing Ohtani?
The team believes live at‑bats will help Ohtani prepare for the postseason and that the short‑term risk is worth the potential long‑term benefit.
Could the Dodgers change their approach?
Yes, they could implement a phased return, limit his playing time, or increase medical monitoring to better protect his health.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Dodgers’ plan for Shohei Ohtani is unnecessarily risky”
