Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani is poised for a potentially career-defining season on the mound. Ohtani briefly paused his walk back to the dugout during Tuesday night’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, realizing he’d forgotten his hitting gear.

A Passion for Pitching

While renowned for his hitting prowess, Ohtani’s passion lies with pitching. Dodgers teammate Max Muncy noted, “I know everyone always talks about his hitting, but getting to know him over the years, he really loves pitching. He loves everything about it. I think pitching is what he’s really all about.”

Seeking Cy Young Recognition

Ohtani has already achieved MVP status without throwing a single pitch, but has yet to reach the same level of dominance as a pitcher. He finished fourth in Cy Young voting at his highest. Before the season, Ohtani expressed his desire to win a Cy Young Award, and he began his campaign with six scoreless innings in a 4–1 victory over the Guardians on Tuesday.

Building on Past Success

Ohtani aims to surpass his impressive 2022 season with the Angels, where he went 15–9 with a 2.33 earned-run average, pitching a career-high 166 innings. He noted that his start to the 2024 season has been stronger than in 2022, and his arsenal of pitches is more well-rounded.

Strategic Pitching Approach

Against the Guardians, Ohtani strategically utilized his six-pitch mix, varying his approach based on the batter’s handedness. He prioritized lighter throws to conserve energy, stating, “Whether I threw lightly or whether I threw harder, it didn’t make much of a difference today. In that case, it’s better to throw lightly, when you consider the overall physical burden.”

Facing Potential Limitations

Ohtani is aware of the risks associated with his pitching career, having already undergone two Tommy John surgeries. He understands that another elbow injury could significantly impact his future on the mound. Despite these concerns, he appears focused and determined to make the most of this opportunity.

In his first season with the Dodgers, sidelined from pitching due to elbow surgery, Ohtani channeled his energy into base stealing, achieving the first 50-homer, 50-steal season in major league history. He has the potential to reach his fourth 100-inning season, combining peak physical condition with refined technique.