At the beginning of this week we wrote Here’s the story of how Shohei Ohtani’s recent labrum surgery could delay his return to the mound in 2025.

Actually a story in the Los Angeles Times approves This will be the case.

Fortunately, Ohtani’s shoulder surgery was performed on his non-throwing arm and is not expected to have any “big picture” impact on his pitching ability next year, according to the general manager. Brandon Gomes.

But that would add another challenge to the 30-year-old’s offseason pitching schedule and likely push back his timeline for joining the Dodgers’ starting rotation next season.

Gomes reportedly didn’t say Ohtani definitely wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day in 2025, but that seems unlikely. Ohtani will need to immobilize his left shoulder for some time this offseason, and he has not yet fully completed his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Now that this is even further delayed, the Dodgers will definitely not send Ohtani back to the mound and give him time to pick up his workload again.

Moreover, there is no pressure to send him back in a hurry, because set just won the World Series.

As a pitcher, Ohtani is 38-19 lifetime with a 3.01 ERA. He struck out 608 batters in 481.2 innings pitched. He made 86 starts, all for the Angels.

Even if he doesn’t pitch this year, Ohtani is poised to win his third MVP Award in the last four years. He hit 54 homers and had 59 stolen bases. He injured his shoulder during Game 2 of the World Series.

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