With the rotation already thin and a once-in-a-generation talent itching to return to the mound, the Dodgers find themselves at a high-stakes crossroads. The buzz is not just about who is injured or who is available to play; it is about how far they are willing to push their $700 million investment. And by that, it means that at the center of it all is Shohei Ohtani. As the legendary Alex Rodriguez has walked into the conversation with a clear warning, not everyone seems to agree. A MLB Hall of Famer just fired back with blunt, no-nonsense advice that could turn the whole situation on its head.

So what did A-rod say? With 15 Dodgers pitchers already sidelined, the Yankees legend warned that letting Ohtani pitch in 2025 would be a disaster. “If Ohtani gets hurt and makes it to 15 [16] pitchers on the IL, the season is over,” A-Rod said last month. He argued the risk simply is not worth the reward, particularly for a power pitcher with two Tommy John surgeries and a recent shoulder scare. His take? Let it lie. Give him the full offseason to prepare physically, emotionally, and mentally for a proper comeback in 2026.

But Hall of Famer John Smoltz was not having it. Since Smoltz has lived the pitcher’s grind, shut down A-Rod’s take with a candid clarity: “I do think they should pitch him, and I think that’s what he wants.”

According to Smoltz, honoring Ohtani’s identity as a two-way star matters just as much as protecting his health. “Second half, he’ll start pitching… and next year could be the most complete year we’ve ever seen out of anybody in the history of our game.” For Smoltz, Ohtani’s unparalleled sportsmanship, pitch arsenal, and mental toughness are not just good; they are generational. 

Backing it up, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently revealed that Ohtani tossed 44 pitches in a three-inning simulated game, his third such session. According to MLB.com, Ohtani allowed just one hit and one walk in his three innings on Tuesday. When asked about a return before the All-Star break, Roberts joked that chances are “north of zero,” though he stressed patience. With his velocity rising and his stuff looking sharp, the stage could be set. But as Roberts admitted, “I don’t think anyone knows the right time.” Until then, the wait continues, with growing tension in every pitch.

While Ohtani’s future on the mound dominates the headlines, the Dodgers may have already found a second two-way-style spark, one quietly turning heads in the outfield.

Hyeseong Kim sparks Shohei Ohtani-level comparison

When Roberts pulled Hyeseong Kim in the seventh inning for a righty-lefty matchup, it was a tactical approach that left all scratching their heads. The star had already provided a two-run triple, made a jaw-dropping catch in center field, and highlighted why he is quickly becoming an exciting rookie in MLB. Kim’s reward? A place on the bench. The decision stirred debate inside the Dodgers, as he was not just hot—he was delivering numbers that demand everyday consideration.

Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation highlighted Kim’s mechanical tweak, removing the star’s leg kick as a revelation. “He is keeping his foot close to the ground, similar to what we saw with Shohei Ohtani,” he said, and fueled comparisons to the $700 million star. The numbers also back it up: a .414 average, 1.029 OPS, and 185 wRC+ through 26 games, and add in Gold Glove-level defense with six stolen bases, and it is clear—this is not just a platoon bat. The rookie’s toolkit screams full-time role, specifically for a team looking for sustainable postseason depth.

In a season highlighted by high-stakes gambles and rising stars, the Dodgers are going through urgency and opportunity. Whether it is unleashing Ohtani on the field and providing Kim a full-time role, the choices ahead could shape October.

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