Shohei Ohtani ‘not sure’ he can pitch in the playoffs; will discuss plan with Dodgers | News, scores, highlights, stats & rumors

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who has not pitched this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last September, was asked after his team’s 11-9 loss to the Miami Marlins on Tuesday whether he thinks he’s physically capable of pitching in the playoffs.

According to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, Ohtani gave a “wry smile” and then said, “I’m not sure.”

It appears there is a very slim chance that Ohtani will pitch. Manager Dave Roberts said the chance is “very slim” but “not zero,” according to Gonzalez, who also added this insight:

“Ohtani has thrown occasional bullpen sessions and could face hitters soon. He and the Dodgers’ pitching coaches haven’t discussed him contributing from the mound in the playoffs, a circumstance that might not be possible until the World Series. But Ohtani said they’ll all get together when the team returns to L.A. this weekend to discuss the rest of his rehab schedule.”

Ohtani pitched for the Los Angeles Angels for five seasons (2018, 2020-2023). He went 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA (1.08 WHIP) and 11.4 K/9 rate. His best pitching year was 2022, which resulted in a second-place finish in the American League Cy Young race. Ohtani went 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA (1.01 WHIP) and 219 strikeouts in 166 innings. Last season, Ohtani was 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA (1.06 WHIP) and 167 strikeouts in 132 frames.

The 30-year-old would obviously be a huge boost to the Dodgers’ pitching staff if he returns. Ultimately, it seems far-fetched that Ohtani could return in any capacity during the playoffs given the typical Tommy John surgery timeline (12 to 18 months), but it would be a huge win if he could at least appear in the bullpen come October.

If not, the Dodgers will still benefit from Ohtani’s prodigious offensive output as he seeks the first 50-50 season in MLB history. Through Tuesday, Ohtani leads the National League in runs (119), home runs (48), RBI (110), slugging percentage (.611), OPS (.982) and total bases (359). He also has 48 stolen bases.

With LA all but assured of a playoff berth and poised to win the NL West, Ohtani should make his postseason debut soon. But for now, the Dodgers still need to secure their spot while Ohtani chases history.