While the world is celebrating Shohei Ohtani’s incredible hitting streak, it seems there’s one crucial detail that’s been overlooked and flying under the radar—until now! Freddie Freeman recently brought this to light in an interview with Heidi Watney, the Apple TV sportscaster at Truist Park, the home of his former team: the Atlanta Braves. He had a conversation with Heidi on the most talked about topic of baseball right now. Can you guess what that is?

They were talking about the exceptional gameplay of Freddie Freeman‘s 30-year-old teammate. And what stood out in their conversation was that, while everyone was busy congratulating Ohtani on his record-breaking streak. Freeman pointed out something different, and that was how fearlessly Ohtani is doing all of this despite his injury struggles. They talked about how Ohtani is managing his streak while still technically in rehab.

What’s one thing about Shohei Ohtani that has mesmerized Freeman?

The conversation began with the sportscaster asking the 35-year-old how he was feeling, that his teammate Ohtani was achieving something nobody as a DH had done before. And David Ortiz can back that up. To which the first baseman replied. “I think people are forgetting he is rehabbing Tommy John throughout the whole day.”

And this makes Ohtani’s gameplay even more special. Defying the odds, he has delivered with 573 at-bats and a solid .290 average. It’s not just the impressive numbers, it’s also the grit and determination he shows every time he steps up to the plate. The fact that he’s in rehab and chasing the 50-50 record, at the same time, doesn’t just reflect his love for the sport. It shows great determination as well. “He is on a mission, and 50-50 is very doable,” Freeman said. And we agree! Shohei Ohtani is just 2 stolen bases and three home runs away from making history.

While it’s certain that injury didn’t hold him back from hitting. He has been on a pitching hiatus ever since last year September. But as per manager Dave Roberts, there is a certain chance that we can see him back on the mound soon.

Can we see Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound in 2024?

While the chances are minute, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t completely shutting the door on a comeback. “I wouldn’t say no way I’m not going to close the door 100%,” Roberts told the L.A. Times. So, there’s a tiny spark of hope that we could see the two-way star back on the mound. But, even if Roberts is optimistic, bringing him back on the pitching lineup can have possible hurdles and risks, especially with the pitching curse going on with the blue crew from the 2021 season.

See, the 30-year-old hasn’t pitched all season, and while he’s been practicing, getting back to his best pitching form isn’t a walk in the park. After such a long break, snapping back into top shape is tough. Plus, even if he does get everything in line, there’s no guarantee he’ll be sharp on the mound. The potential upside, with no guarantee of any effectiveness, is not worth the gamble and can result in another injury. That can also jeopardize his incredible gameplay as a hitter.

But rushing Ohtani right now might be too risky with so much on the line. It might be smarter to hold off and wait until 2025. When he’s expected to be fully prepped for Spring Training. Just think about it: if he’s already smashing records and hitting so well while recovering from an injury. How unstoppable could he be when he’s fully recovered? The possibilities are exciting!

What’s your take? Should the Dodgers wait for a fully fit Ohtani, or go all in now? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!