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Is Shohei Ohtani's $700 million price tag worth the risk of a rushed pitching return?

The anticipation for the dream series between the LA Dodgers and the New York Yankees is building up. Both teams will meet together on the big stage after more than a decade. The Dodgers are hoping to prove they are the best, and the Yanks look forward to ending their 15-year championship drought. At the center of it all is Shohei Ohtani; the two-way sensation has dazzled both in the regular and the postseason with his powerful bat. And now, more than ever, the Dodgers want their star to pitch! After all, they paid $700 million for him. 

However, it seems a gamble now, given Shohei Ohtani had to undergo a second Tommy John surgery. The first is tricky enough, let alone a second time, so, things could get risky for Shotime and as well as his team. This season, the Japanese star played exclusively as a DH and let his bat do the talking. And even though rumors are ablaze on how he may pitch again, sooner than later; his teammate Tyler Glasnow doesn’t think it’s ideal.

Glasnow doesn’t think Shohei Ohtani pitching in the World Series is a good idea

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There are rumors of how Shohei Ohtani is doing great at recovery. According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, Ohtani could face live hitters by the regular season. And if this is true, it rings alarm bells for the Yankees – Ohtani has struck out 608 batters in 481.2 innings. But Dodgers player Tyler Glasnow thinks Shohei pitching this season could be far-fetched, not to mention dangerous as well. 

Tyler Glasnow, who himself has gone through Tommy John surgery, mentioned that it takes a tough time to recover. And this being the second surgery for Shohei Ohtani, it’s even more critical, and can also be time-consuming. Glasnow mentioned that after the second surgery, getting a doctor’s clearance is extremely tough. The first surgery accounts for a recovery time of 12-13 months and the second at 18-20 months.

Tyler Glasnow mentioned on Foul Territory TV, “I think if you look at it long term too, being a second Tommy John surgery. If you weigh out the future, it’s probably not the best idea (rushed into pitching).” And he isn’t wrong; Shohei Ohtani has been signed with the Dodgers for a huge amount of money and for 10 years. So, pushing the limits, and not being far-sighted, can backfire for the Dodgers later. 

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What’s your perspective on:

Is Shohei Ohtani's $700 million price tag worth the risk of a rushed pitching return?

Have an interesting take?

Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow eyes a comeback in 2025

The LA Dodgers have just one good night’s sleep before they enter the madness of the World Series. One major issue in their lineup is pitching – Shohei Ohtani is not there, and the same goes for Tyler Glasnow. The starting pitcher was sidelined back in August due to an elbow injury, then, he hoped to make a strong return to the playoffs, but that didn’t happen as his elbow didn’t heal how they’d hoped for. So, he could be on the sidelines the entire stretch now, as confirmed during his exchange with Foul Territory.

USA Today via Reuters

“I just got re-imaged recently and I haven’t thrown in a month and it looks like it’s fully healed …” Glasnow mentioned, however, he did claim that he is excited to make a strong return next season. And he seems to have a solid recovery plan; Glasnow hopes to keep his arm active during the off-season. So, he won’t be taking time off – besides maintaining a steady work, the Dodger’s pitcher thinks he can rebuild that tissue strength. 

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Well, this year, when Glasnow was healthy, he had a 3.49 ERA with 168 strikeouts. Now, he has his sights on the future; hopefully, the Dodgers can manage this season with him cheering from the stands! Who are you rooting for at the World Series? Let us know in the comments. 

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