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The Los Angeles Dodgers have made the final call on Shohei Ohtani's role in the 2024 MLB playoffs, leaving some fans divided.
General manager Brandon Gomes confirmed that Ohtani will not pitch during the postseason as the team focuses on maintaining his health.
"We don't anticipate him pitching in the postseason," Gomes told reporters. Ohtani, who has been throwing off the mound, raised hopes of a potential return as a pitcher, but the Dodgers are opting to avoid the risk of injury.
Focus Shifts to Hitting for Ohtani
Despite Ohtani's progress with throwing bullpen sessions, Gomes made it clear that the two-way star will not face hitters or pitch in games.
Ohtani is continuing his recovery from major elbow surgery in September 2023, which sidelined him from pitching this season.
While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had previously left the door open for a possible pitching return, even he itted that the likelihood of Ohtani throwing in the playoffs was slim.
"The problem is, in reality, he hasn't thrown a leverage pitch in over a year," Roberts said.
Instead, Ohtani's focus has remained on hitting, where he has shattered records. He became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.
His MVP-worthy statistics include a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases.
Though fans are disappointed about not seeing Ohtani pitch, his contributions at the plate are enough to keep hopes high for a successful Dodgers playoff run.
As Roberts put it, "People just like to watch greatness, and he's going to go down as one of the greats of all time."