National League MVP Shohei Ohtani said Thursday he will try to resume his two-way role when the Los Angeles Dodgers open the 2025 season in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs.
“I’m looking at Opening Day, and I want to throw and hit right from the start,” said Ohtani, who unanimously received the third MVP award of his career that same day.
Ohtani undergoes surgery after baseball injury
When Ohtani underwent surgery in early November to repair a torn labrum resulting from a left shoulder dislocation suffered during the World Series, baseball observers expected his return to the mound might be delayed.
However, the Japanese star has resumed core and lower body training to get back into the dual role.
The World Series champion Dodgers face the Cubs in the season-opening two-game series on March 18 and 19 at the Tokyo Dome.
The Cubs have two Japanese players, left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga and outfielder Seiya Suzuki.
In 2024, Ohtani, unable to throw after his second right elbow surgery, became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. He finished the season with 54:59 points.
“My job is to pitch and play hitter, but I knew I couldn’t do both this year,” Ohtani said. “So I wanted to be good enough offensively that I could make up for not being able to throw.
Ohtani was the unanimous American League MVP in 2021 and 2023 when he established himself as a two-way player with the Los Angeles Angels. As a pitcher, he has a career record of 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA in 86 starts.
When asked about his relationship with manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani said: “After just a few months, I felt like I had been working with him for years. “He created a pleasant playing environment.”
**Given Ohtani’s ambitious timeline and recovery from major surgery, what specific performance metrics or benchmarks should fans look for as indicators of his successful return to both pitching and hitting?**
## World Today News Exclusive: Ohtani’s Comeback and the Future of Two-Way Play
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we delve into the exciting world of baseball with two esteemed guests to analyze Shohei Ohtani’s ambitious plan to resume his two-way role for the 2025 season opener. Joining us are:
* **[Guest 1 Name and Credentials]:** A respected baseball analyst with years of experience dissecting player performance and trends.
* **[Guest 2 Name and Credentials]:** A renowned sports medicine specialist who has worked with professional athletes, offering insights into recovery and performance.
**Section 1: The Comeback Trail**
* **Host:** Shohei Ohtani recently announced his intention to pitch and hit from Opening Day in 2025, just months after major shoulder surgery. [Guest 1], what are your initial thoughts on the feasibility and potential challenges of this ambitious timeline?
* **Host:** [Guest 2], from a medical perspective, what are the key factors that will determine Ohtani’s success in returning to both roles so quickly? What might be some potential risks he faces, and how can they be mitigated?
**Section 2: The Two-Way Phenomenon**
* **Host:** Ohtani’s ability to excel at both pitching and hitting has captivated baseball fans. [Guest 1], how significant is Ohtani’s achievement in the context of baseball history? Can we expect to see more two-way players emerge in the future, and what kind of impact could this have on the game?
* **Host:** [Guest 2], from a physiological perspective, what unique physical attributes and training regimens are required to perform at Ohtani’s level as both a pitcher and hitter?
**Section 3: The Dodgers’ Dynasty and Ohtani’s Impact**
* **Host:** Ohtani joins a World Series champion Dodgers team loaded with talent. [Guest 1], how do you see Ohtani’s presence impacting the Dodgers’ already strong lineup and pitching staff? What will be his key role in their quest for another championship?
* **Host:** [Guest 2], considering Ohtani’s injury history, what kind of management and workload strategies might the Dodgers employ to ensure his long-term health and minimize the risk of further injury?
**Closing:**
* **Host:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights. Shohei Ohtani’s comeback story promises to be one for the ages, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued impact on the world of baseball.
**Post-Interview:**
This interview format allows for a comprehensive discussion of Ohtani’s return, the implications for his career and the future of baseball, and the potential impact on the Dodgers’ dynasty. The open-ended questions encourage thoughtful responses and diverse perspectives from our esteemed guests.
