Shohei Ohtani’s journey in the World Series has been a mixed bag of ambition, talent, and destiny. In high school, Ohtani had made a list of things he wanted to achieve. Whether you call it manifestation or not, he sure did make many of the things he wanted come to life. From his MLB debut in 2018 to signing the most expensive contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani has achieved many milestones. The Japanese star had also predicted he would win the World Series at 26, and while he was off with the timeline a little, he did accomplish his goal.

The Japanese baseball icon moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the championship. And well, he managed to do it in the first season with them. But the World Series win did come at a price. In Game 2 of the World Series with the New York Yankees, Ohtani suffered a painful shoulder injury while sliding into second base. This injury trickled through the postseason. On Tuesday, he underwent surgery for it, and the Dodgers said he would be fit enough to make a spring training return on time. But it might not be as simple.

Shohei Ohtani might not be ready for spring training, says doc

Shohei Ohtani underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum on his left shoulder. While the team says he will be ready for spring training, sports physician Dr. David J. Chao has his doubts. “We said likelihood of surgery after the season; he’s had shoulder labrum repair surgery. The Dodgers are saying he’ll be ready for spring training, but we don’t believe so,” said the doctor in an online video.

However, Ohtani’s resilience has defied the expectations before. Like last off-season after his UCL surgery, everyone thought that his performance might falter. But he stormed through the season and managed to do what no one imagined—joined the 50-50 club. All in a season; however, even with Ohtani’s stellar record, Dr. Chao believes the timeline seems too tight this time. “The Dodgers actually play in Japan early, in the middle of March. That’s a very tough timeline for him to return to play. He’s not going to be ready for the start of spring training,” the doctor added, noting that it would be great if Ohtani is even ready for the start of the regular season for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

MLB will return to Japan in March to open their season 

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime. But now the sport is in the hearts of millions of Japanese people because of Shohei Ohtani. While baseball was always part of the country’s love, it’s now gotten more personal. Recently, Magic Johnson, who was on the Jimmy Fallon show, mentioned how Shohei Ohtani can be compared to Taylor Swift or Michael Jackson—because he brings in a world audience. And his global superstar status is one reason MLB is returning to Japan again!

Yes, MLB will open the 2025 season in Japan. Last year, the LA Dodgers opened their journey to the World Series against the San Diego Padres, but this time, they will start by facing the Chicago Cubs and their very own stars of Japan—Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki—at the Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19. However, the big question is whether we will see Ohtani on the field, because the doctor seemed unsure, given the dates knocking on the door. Considering this setback, many are even speculating: Are Shohei’s pitching days over?

Well, we have to wait and see. Now, all eyes definitely will be on the Japanese star’s progress. But if we know Ohtani—he always does the unthinkable, so, it won’t be a surprise if he makes a grand return on Japanese soil. Do you think he can? Let us know in the comments.