Ohtani cannot start the opening game of the ML next year. "I'm in a bad condition."

Ohtani cannot start the opening game of the ML next year. "I'm in a bad condition."

Blog Article

Shohei Ohtani (30, LA Dodgers), who underwent shoulder surgery, is not expected to take the mound in next year's opening game.

Japanese media Baseball Channel reported on the 11th, "Otani cannot take the mound in the opening game of the Major League Baseball in Japan next year."

Citing remarks by Brandon Gomez (40), general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the media said, "The shoulder Otani was injured is his left shoulder, not his right shoulder, which he uses to pitch," adding, "It's not that he can't be a pitcher for a long time."스포츠토토

The media continued, "However, General Manager Gomez was not optimistic about Ohtani's current shoulder condition, saying, 'It is not in good condition right now."

"I am satisfied if Ohtani can throw as a pitcher in the postseason in October next year. I will make a rehabilitation program by reversing the calculation by aiming for the normal pitching in October," Gomez said.

"For the time being, Ohtani will not practice pitching but will carefully concentrate on rehabilitation. The timing of Ohtani's return to the mound may be quite different. At least, he will not be able to play in the opening game in Japan," the baseball channel said.

Ohtani suffered a dislocated shoulder while trying to steal base in the seventh inning of the second game of the 2024 Major League World Series against the New York Yankees. At that time, he put his left hand on the floor while sliding, but lost weight on his left shoulder. Ohtani continued to play in the World Series even after the injury.

However, after the series ended, Ohtani had no choice but to be on the operating table. Eventually, Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery on the 6th to treat cartilage in his left shoulder. For now, Ohtani is expected to participate in the spring camp to prepare for next season safely. However, he is expected to practice only as a batter, not as a pitcher.
Originally, Ohtani was rehabilitating to start the opening game of the Major League between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome in Japan in March next year. When the opening game of the 2025 Major League Baseball was confirmed to be held in Japan in July, Ohtani said, "(I think next year's opening game in Japan is special. There are many Japanese players in the (opposite team) Chicago Cubs. I think it will be a special game for Japanese baseball fans."

The 2025 Tokyo Series is the 10th major league opening series outside of the U.S. and copyright. The opening series (other than the U.S. and copyright) was held in Monterrey, Mexico in 1999, Tokyo, Japan in 2000, San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2001, followed by Tokyo, Japan in 2004, 2008, 2012, Sydney, Australia in 2014, Tokyo, Japan in 2019, and Seoul, Korea in 2023. It is the first time in six years that the MLB regular season opener has been held in Japan since 2019.

However, Ohtani's dream of standing on the mound at the Tokyo Dome while wearing the LA Dodgers uniform is expected to be postponed. "Ohtani may not be able to play as a pitcher at the Major League's opening game in Tokyo next year. He is expected to participate as a batter in the spring camp," MLB.com said.