Shohei Ohtani is currently playing baseball on a different level. As the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he is the engine of a championship-caliber offense. Yet, a shadow looms over his hitting dominance: the question of his arm. As the Japanese superstar rehabs from a second major elbow surgery, a top Angels insider has revealed a surprising theory. He claims the root of this latest injury wasn’t bad luck, but a ghost from his past.

Even without pitching, Ohtani is constructing yet another MVP-caliber season in 2025. He is keeping up the blistering pace he set last season. In 63 games, the two-way phenom is batting .294 with an incredible 1.023 OPS. He leads the National League with 66 runs scored and ranks second with 23 home runs. His underlying numbers are equally stunning, with a 179 wRC+. That means he produces runs 79 percent better than the league-average player does. This high production is the foundation of the Dodgers’ success.

However, Angels insider Jeff Fletcher suggests this current rehab is haunted by the first one. Speaking on Dodgers Nation, Fletcher claimed Ohtani’s second surgery stems from his compromised 2020 return. “I think because he didn’t get to do the rehab that they planned for him,” Fletcher explained. That plan involved “pitching in minor league games in like April 2020” to be ready by May. The COVID-19 pandemic wiped that away. Instead, Ohtani’s prep was limited to simulated games at an empty ballpark.

Fletcher argues this was “really not the kind of rehab you’d want from Tommy John Surgery.” The results were immediate and alarming. In his second start back on August 2, 2020, his velocity fell “off the map” mid-game. He was diagnosed with a flexor strain, and though the team said it wasn’t related to his UCL, Fletcher remains skeptical. He recalled that moment as a low point, saying, “That’s when people started to say maybe he’s just not a pitcher, maybe let’s just forget it.”

Now, as he attempts to come back yet again, all eyes are on his progress. Ohtani is slowly building his arm strength in 2025. He has progressed to throwing 50-pitch bullpen sessions that simulate the up-and-down of multiple innings. He has also started to face live batters in simulated games. These sessions provide a crucial test for his surgically repaired elbow. His fastball is already touching the mid-90s, a really pleasant sight to see the sign of his returning power on the mound.

Shohei Ohtani’s pitching comeback: A cautious ascent

The Dodgers are handling his return with extreme caution. Manager Dave Roberts has been clear that Ohtani will not be rushed. The plan is for a return to the rotation sometime after the All-Star break, giving him plenty of time to build up for a potential postseason run.

Ohtani himself remains steadfast in his goal. “I feel the exact same way about being a two-way player as I did in the past,” he stated. His manager, Dave Roberts, echoes this careful approach. “I think Shohei is separate as far as the process… it’s a week-to-week thing,” Roberts emphasized, confirming the team won’t rush him despite other pitching injuries. The organization is protecting its massive investment, prioritizing long-term health over any short-term needs.

However, not everyone shares the same unbridled optimism about his pitching return. Former superstar Alex Rodriguez has voiced serious concerns. “For me, the risk-reward is not there,” A-Rod stated bluntly. He pointed to Ohtani’s history of two Tommy John surgeries and a separate shoulder injury. “He’s not a finesse pitcher. He’s a power pitcher,” Rodriguez explained, noting the immense strain that puts on an arm. He believes the Dodgers should let him focus on hitting this season.

And in the meantime, the Dodgers keep winning, powered by Ohtani’s historic offense. They are first in the NL West, 38-26. They own the second-most productive offense in baseball–scoring 5.54 runs on average per game. But their pitching has been a relatively sore spot, with a team ERA that rates only 11th in the National League.

This makes his potential return to the mound all the more critical. His arm could be the final piece of the puzzle for a World Series title. Do you think the Dodgers are handling Ohtani’s return correctly, or is A-Rod right about the risk?