Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not need surgery for his bicep or knee injuries! That’s the word straight from Dodgers’ president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, and it means the team fully expects him to return to the mound in 2027. This is the update every single baseball fan, especially those in Dodger Blue, has been desperate to hear.
No Surgery? That’s HUGE!
Dude, remember how Ohtani started the 2026 season? He was absolutely thriving as a pitcher and hitting at an All-Star level, proving again why he might just be the most important player in Major League Baseball. But then July hit, and he stopped pitching, eventually landing on the injured list with those nagging bicep and knee issues. It was a total “whack a mole” situation, as Friedman himself described it to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, with injuries popping up one after another. Seriously, the concern about his future as a two-way player was legit, and a lot of us were bracing for offseason surgery. Nobody wants to hear that for a guy like Ohtani.
But get this: Friedman confirmed that surgery is “not on the table.” How incredible is that? This is exactly the kind of news Dodgers fans needed after a second half and playoff run that got pretty marred by Ohtani’s injuries. Avoiding the knife? That bodes so well for a healthy return next season, not just at designated hitter, but for his arm too.
Back on the Mound in 2027? You Love to See It!
So, we know he’s avoiding surgery. That’s a massive win. But the burning question for any fan has been: will he ever pitch again? And when? Friedman put those worries to rest, telling reporters, including Ardaya, “I fully expect him to pitch next year.” That means 2027, folks! Not some vague “at some point in the future” that could drag out to 2028 or even later. He’s coming back to the mound!
Now, the jury is still out on exactly how much he’ll pitch next year, or what specific role the Dodgers will slot him into to preserve that arm for the playoffs. But honestly, hearing he’s avoiding surgery and will be back throwing heat next season? That’s about as good an update as any Dodgers fan could have possibly hoped for. We’re talking about a two-way superstar who’s unmatched when he’s fully healthy, and it looks like we’re going to see him back at full strength soon.
Get ready for 2027, because it sounds like the greatest show on dirt is getting his pitching arm back in action, ready to make a serious impact. This season is gonna be something else, and Ohtani being back on the bump is a huge piece of that puzzle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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