SAN ANTONIO — The Los Angeles Dodgers are not relying on Shohei Ohtani to take the mound as the new season begins, as they prefer to monitor his recovery following shoulder surgery on his non-dominant arm.
Ohtani underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury he sustained while attempting to steal bases during Game 2 of the World Series on October 26. This season, the two-way player did not pitch while recovering from an elbow operation that took place on September 19, 2023.
“We plan to approach this recovery incrementally, focusing on small, manageable segments of time, and we want to ensure that we reach significant milestones before making any decisions about his return,” general manager Brandon Gomes stated on Wednesday. “Our priority is to let the rehabilitation unfold at its own pace.”
After signing an unprecedented 10-year contract worth $700 million, the 30-year-old Ohtani posted impressive stats, batting .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, making history as the first player to achieve at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
“I think it’s reasonable to say he won’t be racking up 50 steals next year,” Gomes remarked. “But I’m not one to bet against Shohei; he always surprises us.”
On another note, Gomes mentioned that left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw underwent surgery on Wednesday but didn’t share specific details, as Kershaw is currently a free agent.
Additionally, Mookie Betts is likely transitioning back to the infield next season. The World Series champions also expressed interest in negotiating a new contract with manager Dave Roberts, who currently has a deal that runs through next season.
Ohtani’s procedure was performed by the team’s lead physician, Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
“The rehabilitation will involve various lower-intensity exercises focused on mobility,” said Gomes. “Our medical staff and performance coaches are coordinating closely to ensure he receives the best support during this process.”
Ohtani has halted his throwing program, with Gomes indicating that this was likely going to happen regardless due to the offseason but highlighted the need for recovery prior to resuming throwing.
The Dodgers anticipate having right-handed pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Tyler Glasnow available for opening day. Yamamoto missed games from June 15 to September 10 due to right triceps tightness, Glasnow’s season finished on August 11 due to right elbow tendinitis, Gonsolin spent the entire 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, and May did not pitch this year due to elbow and esophagus surgeries.
Betts began the season at shortstop but broke his left hand on June 16 after being hit by a pitch. Upon his return on August 12, he shifted to right field, and the move back to the infield is intended to mitigate the physical demands on his body. The 32-year-old Betts is an eight-time All-Star, and Gomes noted, “It’s not set in stone, but given the physical toll of the outfield, we need to explore this further.”
Since becoming the Dodgers’ manager in 2016 with a three-year deal that included a team option, Roberts extended his contract in December 2018 and again in March 2022; his current contract runs through 2025. He has an impressive record of 851 wins and 506 losses while leading the team to two World Series victories and four National League pennants.
“We hope to have Dave with us for as long as possible. Our history of successful extensions with him speaks volumes,” Gomes commented. “We anticipate engaging in discussions about this during the offseason.”
Kershaw revealed on Friday that he would undergo operations on his left big toe and knee. The 36-year-old pitcher made his season debut on July 25 after undergoing shoulder surgery and was limited to seven starts with a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA. He was unable to pitch after August 30 due to a toe injury.
Kershaw chose to decline a $10 million player option that could have resulted in $15 million in performance bonuses.
“He remains a top priority for us,” Gomes stated.