Dodgers flirting with another Shohei Ohtani disaster

LAS VEGAS – The Dodgers could re-sign Tarik Skubal.They could inject youth in their lineup. They could improve their bullpen.None of that will matter if Shohei Ohtani isn’t healthy in October, and based on what general manager Brandon Gomes said on Tuesday, there should be serious concerns that he won’t be.While Gomes refrained from saying how Ohtani would be managed in 2027, every indication was that Ohtani will be permitted to attempt what he failed to do this year, which was to be a two-way player from the start of the season to the finish.“It doesn’t mean that if he goes wire to wire, [next] year plays out in the same way,” Gomes said.But it can.With Ohtani breaking down by the middle of the season.With Ohtani not even close to performing like the offensive force he was required to be for the Dodgers to win another World Series.But Gomes didn’t sound as if the Dodgers were thinking of delaying the start of Ohtani’s season as a pitcher to control his workload.Gomes said Ohtani would have a “normal” offseason.Their plans for his winter throwing program?“Leave it up to him,” Gomes said.Leave it up to Ohtani and he will almost certainly prepare himself to be ready to pitch when the Dodgers open their season.And once he does that, why wouldn’t he want to pitch from the start? The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story “I think the competitor in everybody is always that they’re gonna play 162 [games],” Gomes said.

“Knowing Shohei, that’ll be his mindset.”And that could be trouble.Wagering on Ohtani to deliver in the batter’s box or on the mound is entirely defensible.Wagering on him to remain healthy as a full-time two-way player at this stage of his career borders on reckless.The last time Ohtani was a hitter and pitcher for an enti...