Shohei Ohtani needs offseason rest for injuries, Los Angeles Dodgers say

Shohei Ohtani will skip surgery to heal knee and biceps issues in Los Angeles, team officials confirmed Wednesday. The downtime aims to prepare the player for both pitching and hitting duties during the upcoming season.

Team leaders explained the physical trouble fluctuated through recent months. Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, spoke on the matter.

“It was just an unfortunate game of whack-a-mole,” Friedman said. “The knee got to a better spot, and then just kind of the biceps area was bothering him. Some of that would calm down for some period, some of that would get re-irritated. It was just a lot of different things he was trying to contend with at once.”

Both sides want Ohtani on the mound again. Friedman confirmed the plan.

“I’m not only expecting him to pitch, we’re excited about him pitching,” Friedman said.

Ohtani did not pitch following July 3. The physical ailments limited his production at the plate as well.

The setbacks produced his lowest offensive totals since joining the club in December 2023. His 30 home runs were his lowest mark since 2019 with the Los Angeles Angels. He hit a three-run homer in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against Milwaukee. That swing ended a 25-game stretch without a home run.

The player turns 33 next July. He previously underwent two Tommy John surgeries on his right elbow during his career in Major League Baseball.

The season ended last week in a four-game sweep by the Brewers in the NLCS. Team leaders have not yet met to map out his full workload.

Offseason recovery plans in professional sports typically focus on physical rehabilitation and rest without medical procedures. Medical staffs evaluate players to prevent recurring strain before regular team drills resume.

Friedman said both sides will soon study how to manage his dual role. The goal remains having him ready for October games in Los Angeles.