The Los Angeles Dodgers are setting up a plan for Shohei Ohtani to return to the mound. He has been throwing bullpen sessions and plans to return to live action at some point within the next month.
At his best, Ohtani is one of the best pitchers in baseball, and he could be a welcomed addition to their starting rotation. How much Ohtani will pitch this season is still up in the air, but his opening games are not out of the question.
Tyler Glasnow Addresses Potential Piggyback with Ohtani
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow joined Foul Territory to discuss the possibility of tandem starts with Ohtani. He said, “If I had my No. 1 choice, I’d like to start the game.”
Glasnow continued, “I think it would be weird in-season, just having like a starter routine, and having to throw, then wait, then go throw in the bullpen, is kind of more of a reliever thing.”
Across a 162-game season, these players become creatures of habit. They like to stay in the same routine each week, hoping to get into a groove during the season. If the Dodgers decide to piggyback starts for Ohtani, it will likely not be with someone like Glasnow.
Standalone, he is one of the best starters on their team, and the Dodgers would not want to do anything to jeopardize that.
However, knowing Glasnow would be willing to sacrifice his team gives Dodgers manager Dave Roberts another potential move for when Ohtani returns.
Dodgers Going Through Rough Patch
After beginning the season 8-0, the Dodgers have lost three consecutive series to the Phillies, Nationals, and Cubs. Now, with a record of 11-6, the Dodgers are in third place in the NL West.
The Padres and Giants are off to hot starts and do not seem to be going anywhere. That means these teams will be fighting for the division title and a wild-card spot.
On paper, the Dodgers were projected to win the division. But they have suffered some unfortunate injuries that could derail their season. One aspect of the MLB that makes it great is the parity around the league; we have not had back-to-back winners since the New York Yankees in 1999-2000.
The Dodgers are trying to be the next team on that list, but it will not be easy. Adding Ohtani back into the rotation will be a big boost for the Dodgers, but will it be enough to vault them to the top of the league?
