The Dodgers entered the 2025 season with one of the most star-studded pitching staffs in baseball, but just weeks into the campaign, that shine is already starting to fade. Tyler Glasnow, the team’s prized offseason acquisition, has landed on the injured list. Blake Snell, another high-profile addition, is on the same route. Suddenly, what once looked like a fortress of elite arms is riddled with uncertainty. Hence, as injuries pile up and pressure mounts, an intriguing question begins to surface in the minds of fans and front office executives alike: Could this be the window that accelerates Shohei Ohtani’s long-awaited return to the mound?

For some, the two-way superstar seems like the perfect solution to revive the Dodgers’ rotation. Well, a cool $700 million was offered to Ohtani for his two-way playing abilities. However, Ohtani has yet to make his pitching debut with the team as he continues his recovery from arthroscopic surgery performed last November.

Now with the growing concern over the lack of premium pitchers in the team, the Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, gave a honest update. “No, no, not at all,” Roberts said. “I think Shohei is separate as far as the process. I think it was (GM Brandon Gomes) who said it yesterday, maybe — it’s a week-to-week thing, and I just don’t know. But the availability of the other pitchers has no bearing on Shohei’s program.”

Well, it seems like the Dodgers are opting for a slow-go policy with their most prized asset. However, will that be effective considering how the team is gasping for some pitching strength? Maybe yes, because the Dodgers are infamous for their pitchers’ injuries. So, it is highly likely that going deep into the regular season, a few more pitching options might be required. Who will then lead from the mound if the team goes to the postseason? Shohei Ohtani it will be!

It to be also noted that Ohtani is recovering from this second TJ surgery, which poses more risks to let him pitch. It would be too costly for the team to let their designated hitter pitch and lose him for long term. Currently, Ohtani is standing with 7 HRs and 10 RBIs, which the team surely would not love to let go.

For starters, the Dodgers have a long list of injured pitchers. Take the example of Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. It seems the injury cycle will continue, but risking the best hitter to compensate that would be too much! It is better for the Dodgers to preserve Ohtani for a long-term value, over short-term goals.

The Dodgers are gasping for pitching strength 

Well, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are now sidelined. The much-hyped six-man rotation is now becoming a thing of past. Tony Gonsolin’s return helps, but as it stands, only four true starters remain: Dustin May, Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and now Gonsolin. The injuries have created a rotation crunch, and changes appear imminent.

Reportedly, chances are high about increasing the frequency of starts for Yamamoto and Sasaki. While no decisions have been finalized, Roberts said the team will “have a conversation” about altering their current workload. Both pitchers had thrived under a once-a-week schedule during the season’s opening month. However, with Glasnow now on the injured list, the Dodgers are being forced to reevaluate—and reconfigure—the rhythm of their staff.

Even if the Dodgers decide to move away from their once-a-week pitching model for Yamamoto and Sasaki, they’ll still need reinforcements. Here, the most promising option might already be in uniform. Rookie right-hander Ben Casparius, primarily used as a long reliever, stepped in seamlessly when Glasnow exited Sunday’s game with shoulder discomfort. On short notice, Casparius threw a season-high 54 pitches over 3 2/3 scoreless innings. So, his poise and durability in high-leverage situations could make him a candidate for an expanded role.

So, Ohtani surely is not getting to the mound soon. But it would be interesting to watch who fills the ever-increasing gaps in the Dodgers’ pitching division. Who do you think fits here?