Just as news broke that Shohei Ohtani is inching closer to his long-awaited return to the mound, the baseball world has erupted into debate. Should he pitch again? Where should he fit into the Dodgers’ already star-studded lineup? Some of the game’s biggest voices aren’t holding back on these. And following that, Alex Rodriguez recently made a bold call regarding Ohtani’s future.

Then, it didn’t take long for fellow legends David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez to fire back. And theirs might be even bolder.

“It’s a tough decision for me. In 2023, Ohtani had the best repertoire of any pitcher in the game. But if Ohtani gets hurt and makes it 15 pitchers on the IL for the Dodgers, the season is over. For me, the risk-reward is not there.“ Rodriguez was brutally honest about why it will be a risky move to make Ohtani pitch. The man who got 2 TJ surgeries in the last 5 years is quite vulnerable, and Rodriguez is rational enough to warn about the incoming injuries.

One more injury and the Dodgers will even lose his batting service. But then comes Martinez and Ortiz with their views!

In what could be a game-changing proposal, Ortiz has floated a bold idea about Shohei Ohtani’s future on the mound. According to him, when Ohtani is ready to pitch again, he should take on the role of a full-time closer. Well, that’s an idea…

However, this strategic pivot could be a masterstroke. It would allow Ohtani to preserve his arm while delivering maximum impact in the game’s most critical moments. As a closer, Ohtani could be utilized as required. This will help in protecting a generational talent. If the Dodgers embrace this vision, they could extend Ohtani’s longevity and revolutionize how versatility is valued in baseball’s future.

Pedro Martinez shared the same view as Ortiz. “I would love to see Ohtani as a closer in the World Series.“

Well, as you know, closers typically pitch one inning per outing, often just 15–20 pitches. But a starter might throw 90–100 pitches over 5–7 innings. Thus, it drastically reduces the physical strain on Ohtani’s surgically repaired elbow. Moreover, as a closer, Ohtani would pitch fewer times per week depending on team requirements. This gap could allow him for better recovery time and less cumulative stress on his arm.

But everything aside, we still need to wait a bit more to see Ohtani pitching. Considering how he is performing currently as a slugger, the Dodgers will take time to get him to the mound.

Ohtani is too strong with his bat this year

Well, check Shohei Ohtani’s figures this season, and you will be skeptical about putting him with additional pitching duties. For starters, he is leading the hitting chart with 23 HRs and 39 RBIs until now. Moreover, he is hitting .292/.386/.653, resulting in 1.039 OPS. So, now you know his beast mode at the batter box. With that performance, the Dodgers would surely be satisfied with him not pitching.

Moreover, Ohtani is replaceable on the mound. Yes, he got an MVP-level performance in 2023 as a two-way player, but remember that the Dodgers won the World Series last year without Ohtani’s pitching.

This year, too, the team is leading the NL West with an impressive 37-25 record. So, strategically, the team is not at a loss. So, it makes perfect sense for the Dodgers to play it safe and keep him on the batter’s box for now! Because just one more injury, and it might be career-ending for him.

Hence, fans hoping to see him soon on the mound will need to wait. The team will not risk Ohtani when the league is entering deep. It is reported that they might move him after the All-Star game. That means you might see him in August.

Imagine a clutch moment in a postseason game, and Ohtani taking the mound! A scene that is very much probable this year.