Even though it was Shohei Ohtani’s 31st birthday on July 5th, the attention was more on the mound. It was two innings, 31 pitches, and 21 of them were strikes. He had one hit and one walk at the plate. In a season already marked by huge expectations, Ohtani gave a performance that was both electric and erratic.

But the script changed quickly. The Astros came back from a 2–0 deficit to beat the Dodgers 6–4. But despite the loss, Dodgerland saw Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable pitching. And that led to a question in the insiders’ box. Can he be used exclusively as an opener?

Well, now, it’s old news that the Dodgers are approaching with utmost care when it comes to Shohei Ohtani. Shotime coming as an opener is something they don’t want to risk. On The Showdown on MLB Now, Brian Kenny pointed out, “He’s the best hitter in the league. And you’ll get at the end of the year, maybe it’s 60 innings. That’s all he averages anyway. Over the last seven years, Jon, he’s averaging 69 innings a season. That’s all you’re getting anyway. It’s now his 30s. Let him open. That scratches the itch that he wants to pitch. It gives you a scoreless first inning, maybe second inning. And then he can play his 159 games at DH.”

While agreeing with Kenny, Jon Heyman also pointed out an interesting fact about Ohtani being an MVP during his time at Anaheim, pitching 130 and 132 innings in those two years. And when Kenny said that “he broke,” Heyman had one simple response. “If he didn’t break, he’d still be able to hit, though. Right? That’s what you want him to do.” Wait… there was more…

Ohtani’s ability to attract fans is through the roof, and the Dodgers are making money off of both his bat and his two-way skills. Heyman stressed that component, saying, “They’re making tens of millions of dollars on the fact that he is a unicorn, that he is this two-way player.” And so, as per Jon Heyman, it’s important to be strategic with how the Dodgers handle Shohei Ohtani.

“He’s playing every day. I also don’t think that’s great for the team that you’re going to go basically a bullpen game every five days. Because last year, they won the World Series throwing bullpen games… Save them for the tournament… Last year, on paper, they didn’t have the best bullpen. But on the field, they did because they were fresh. They performed,” explained Heyman. But Brian Kenny couldn’t be any clearer on how the Dodgers should approach the whole situation.

“You’re one of five starters. You have to have guys eat innings to allow your elite run-preventer. Don’t underestimate the value of a scoreless first and second inning. Those are vitally important, Jon. Yeah. That should be enough for your Dodgers,” pointed out Kenny.

And in the end, the only concern Kenny shared was to “keep him [Ohtani] healthy, too,” along with the rest of the bullpen pieces.

So, while the debate around Shotime being an opener or not goes around, Dodgerland can, anyway, witness his two-way ability. Shohei Ohtani has pitched four times for the Dodgers in 2025, going six innings without giving up a run, striking out six batters, and walking only one. This gives him a decent 1.50 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP this season.

His sweeping off-speed stuff still misses barrels, which is a strong reminder that he always produces outstanding performance, even in short spurts.

And after his last outing, he seems to be pretty happy. Through his interpreter, Will Ireton, he said, “As long as I can play the way I want to play.”  

Well, the MLB community wants him as an opener, and it looks like Ohtani is also ready to push. But the question remains: Is Dave Roberts on the same page?

Controlling the comeback: Roberts praises velocity, holds the reins

Dave Roberts has stated that they are patient with Ohtani’s return to the mound, even though insiders want him to pitch more innings. Roberts was impressed by Ohtani’s control, pitching feel, and lack of pressure. He exclaimed, “Controlled fastball, controlled stuff, and really efficient.” Yet, the Dodgers want to be careful not to overwork him.

He suggested Shohei Ohtani could pitch five or six innings later this season, but he didn’t specify a timetable. This proved that the team prioritized his long-term health above heroics. Roberts said, “If you look at where he’s at now, the calendar, I think that him getting to five, six innings is certainly feasible.”

Despite throwing his fastball in the top 90s with accuracy, Roberts was most pleased by Ohtani’s 100.9 mph fastball against Houston.

He is not hurrying, even though there are 12 pitchers in the IL. This careful, step-by-step plan shows that he believes in his talent and respects his body. It will help him become the full, dynamic force he promises to be later in 2025, during the most critical October run.

Tbh, only the man with the blueprint knows whether he will open or not. But what’s your thought on the matter – would you like to see him as an opener right away?