Shohei Ohtani as a Bullpen Weapon? MLB Source Weighs In on This “Conceivable” Scenario

Shohei Ohtani will be out of the pitching lineup for the 2024 season. However, the fans can expect him to return as a hitter for Opening Day 2024. Regardless of his current state, the big fishes in the MLB have been eyeing the two-way phenom to choose one of their clubs in the free agency meetings that are being held behind closed doors.

Ohtani reportedly requested that the meetings’ details not be revealed to the outside world. Not following this request will lead to Ohtani dropping the said club option. Now, amidst an offseason full of contract predictions and club speculations, an MLB insider recently weighed in on the probability of Ohtani playing in the bullpen when he gets back in 2025. Will Shohei Ohtani not play as a starter anymore?

Shohei Ohtani–Bound to the Bullpen?

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal was recently asked in a Foul Territory interview whether he heard rumors of any of the team deciding to use Ohtani as a bullpen guy. Rosenthal denied the claim and stated that many fans and other people concerned about Shotime’s signing are entertaining this speculation. However, the idea doesn’t seem feasible in the long run. Shohei Ohtani will not be able to be available as a reliever while being in the lineup in the same game; more than that, he must warm up and might choose to hit during that time. Does it mean Ohtani will not be seeing the face of the bullpen at all?

The idea of Ohtani not playing as a starter can’t completely be rebuffed. Rosenthal said, “I guess it’s conceivable you could do it—you certainly did it at WBC on a one-time basis.” However, he also reflected that that kind of strategy wouldn’t work out well over a period of 162 games. That makes it borderline impossible for Ohtani to play in the bullpen. His doctor apparently pitched the idea of not letting him pitch this season.

Pitching not to let the pitcher pitch

Because of an elbow-repairing surgery he went through this season, Shohei Ohtani is being held back from pitching for the coming year. His surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, advised against letting him pitch. In a statement revealed by Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, the doctor stated, “I expect full recovery, and he’ll be ready to hit without any restrictions come opening day of 2024 and do both (hit and pitch) come 2025.”

Read More: Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes Heat Up as Cubs, Mets, and Yankees Duel for Two-Way Phenom’s Signature

Let’s hope to see our favorite Shotime hitting the mound in his full-fledged, fiery two-way form as soon as possible!

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