In a high-stakes showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, Shohei Ohtani crushed two dwelling runs to assist energy the Dodgers previous Aaron Decide and the Bronx Bombers.
Ohtani, recovering from his second UCL process, has but to pitch for Los Angeles since becoming a member of the membership.
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Regardless of his offensive fireworks, league-leading 22 dwelling runs, a .298 batting common, a .395 on-base proportion, and a staggering 1.062 OPS, questions proceed to loom about whether or not he ought to return to pitching in any respect in 2025.
Former Yankees legend and FOX Sports activities analyst Alex Rodriguez weighed in over the weekend, providing a sobering perspective amid the Ohtani mania.
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“It is a powerful resolution for me. In 2023, Ohtani had one of the best repertoire of any pitcher within the recreation. But when Ohtani will get damage and makes it 15 pitchers on the IL for the Dodgers, the season is over. For me, the risk-reward shouldn’t be there,” Rodriguez mentioned within the FOX Sports activities interview.
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The dilemma dealing with the Dodgers is obvious. Ohtani’s elite pitching expertise might drastically elevate the rotation if wholesome. However after present process two elbow surgical procedures, the newest being a UCL restore that sidelined him for all the 2024 season, any misstep might spell catastrophe.
And proper now, catastrophe is one thing the Dodgers cannot afford. The workforce’s rotation has been ravaged by accidents, forcing administration right into a precarious balancing act.
On one hand, Ohtani pitching once more might anchor a depleted employees and rework the Dodgers into an unstoppable pressure. Alternatively, if he rushes again and will get damage, they may lose him for one more prolonged period-or worse.
Rodriguez’s issues carry vital weight. As a seasoned veteran and longtime observer of the sport, he is witnessed firsthand how accidents can derail not solely particular person careers however whole championship hopes.
The Dodgers, at the moment main their division and eyeing one other deep postseason run, should take into account the complete implications.