The 2024 World Series is set to begin with the Yankees facing off against the Dodgers on Friday at Dodger Stadium.
Before the showdown, Thursday was all about media interactions where Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts faced a familiar question: Could Shohei Ohtani pitch in this series after his elbow surgery last year?
Roberts, sticking to his script like a well-rehearsed play, responded with a firm “no,” echoing what he and others have said for weeks. “There’s no possibility, none whatsoever,” he stated. “Thank you for asking.”
Earlier in September, Roberts had hinted at leaving a tiny window open for Ohtani’s return to pitching, saying there should always be room for possibilities. But now that window seems firmly shut.
Dodgers’ Strategy and Ohtani’s Role:
The Dodgers have been quite clear about their stance on Ohtani’s pitching role. Andrew Friedman mentioned on September 20 that they weren’t considering it since it’s still early in his recovery journey post-surgery. Fans might wonder if keeping him off the mound is the best choice.
Ohtani started his decade-long contract with the Dodgers just last winter. The team is thinking long-term about his health and future as a pitcher.
Even without pitching, Ohtani remains a powerhouse at bat. His regular season stats were stellar: .310 average with 54 homers and 59 stolen bases! In postseason play, he’s kept up the heat with an impressive .934 OPS and three home runs.
So while we wait for Game 1 to kick off this epic series, let’s see if Roberts gets asked again about Ohtani’s potential surprise appearance on the mound next week.
What do you think? Should they let him pitch or keep him swinging?
