Shohei Ohtani: His Return to the Mound Is in Doubt

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Shohei Ohtani: His Return to the Mound Is in Doubt
Credit: Sportsnet

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Shohei Ohtani would not be able to pitch today (Sunday) or Tuesday after all.

He is too injured to do so. The Dodgers want to proceed cautiously so as not to lose him as a designated hitter as well.

The Dodgers' goal was to have him build up his arm one inning at a time leading up to September. That won't be possible in the short term.

Does this mean he won't pitch again this season? It's impossible to say, since the Dodgers aren't confirming anything.

But it's possible. Just as it's possible that serious discussions about his future on the mound are underway in L.A…

The Dodgers' priority is to ensure that the hitter is able to make a difference. After all, the team needs him at the top of the lineup.

If anyone stands to benefit from this, it's Pete Crow-Armstrong. If Ohtani stops pitching and the Cubs outfielder keeps hitting like this, he has a good chance of walking away with the National League MVP title.

Right now (following the news about Ohtani on the mound), PCA is the favorite to win the MVP in 2026.

Yesterday, PCA hit three home runs (after Sammy Sosa asked him to) and had four hits, driving in six runs in the process.

If he keeps this up, things will go well for him when it comes time to cast votes for the Most Valuable Player award.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.

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