Dave Roberts Doesn’t Yet Know How Dodgers Will Limit Shohei Ohtani’s Workload in 2025
If there were any doubts regarding Shohei Ohtani’s health after offseason surgery, his leadoff home run in his Cactus League debut proves that he is just fine.
However, manager Dave Roberts has to determine if the Los Angeles Dodgers will limit Ohtani’s workload this season with him returning to the starting rotation.
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“I don’t think he’s going to get the same number of at-bats, plate appearances, given that he’s going to be pitching,” Roberts said before Friday’s game. “I don’t think he’s going to steal as many bases, just appreciating the fact that he does need to pitch and save his legs. But as far as the kind of performance per plate appearance, I still think he can be just as productive. And I’m sure Shohei is expecting the same thing.”
Roberts wouldn’t say how many fewer plate appearances and he said the Dodgers don’t have any intentions of limiting his playing time.
“I think, for me, it’s kind of continued conversations,” he said. “I just think it’s unfair to everyone to put a number on it where I really have no idea.
“I just don’t know if it’s going to be before a start day to prepare, after a start day. … I just don’t know any of that stuff right now.”
Last season, Ohtani topped the National League with 731 plate appearances, ranking second in the majors behind Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. In his inaugural year as a two-way player with the Angels, Ohtani received rest days both before and after each of his starts.
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From what it sounds like, Ohtani is the one making decisions regarding his physical health and whether he needs a day off or not. He feels great so far and has had “no discomfort” in his surgically-repaired left shoulder.
“He’s just worked so hard to get back to where he needs to be,” Roberts said. “His work in the weight room, obviously in the trainers’ room, the rehab process, the surgery went well – kind of from that point on just gearing up for the season, he really hasn’t missed a beat.”
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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