Shohei Ohtani Still a Force Despite Injury: Dave Roberts Remains Hopeful for Simulated Games

Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani may be sidelined from pitching duties due to injury, but his presence at the plate continues to strike fear into opposing pitchers. In a recent media appearance, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared cautious optimism about Ohtani’s recovery and hinted at a gradual return to throwing.

“Hopefully at some point in time, we’ll get him to face some hitters, and do some simulated games,” Roberts said, giving fans and analysts hope that Ohtani could eventually return to two-way action.

This statement comes amid heightened attention to Ohtani’s progress following his offseason surgery, which sidelined him from pitching during the 2024 and potentially much of the 2025 season.

Ohtani’s Unmatched Power Still Dominates the Plate

Despite his injury keeping him off the mound, Shohei Ohtani has continued to make headlines with his dominant offensive performance. The Japanese slugger remains one of the most feared and productive hitters in Major League Baseball, leading the Dodgers in home runs and on-base percentage early in the 2025 season.

Ohtani’s bat has never been more crucial. As the Dodgers strive to return to the World Series, his offensive production has filled a critical gap left by other injuries on the roster. With his elite bat speed, plate discipline, and power to all fields, he continues to rewrite what’s possible for a designated hitter.

In 2024, Ohtani slashed .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs before his injury ended his pitching duties. In 2025, despite a slightly slower start, he remains on pace to produce MVP-caliber numbers.

Roberts Hints at Pitching Return — Eventually

When asked about Ohtani’s recovery from his second UCL surgery, Dave Roberts offered a mix of patience and promise. His comment about facing hitters and doing simulated games is the first public indication that the team envisions a gradual return to pitching — possibly in late 2025 or the 2026 season.

“We want to be smart with Shohei. He’s such an important part of our future, and we’re not going to rush anything,” Roberts added.

This approach reflects a broader strategy by the Dodgers to protect their $700 million investment while maximizing Ohtani’s long-term value. For now, they are content with his elite offensive output — which alone would earn him All-Star recognition.

The Global Impact of Shohei Ohtani

Beyond his on-field stats, Shohei Ohtani’s influence on baseball is global. He’s not just a star in Los Angeles or even the United States — he is an icon in Japan and across Asia, helping MLB grow internationally in ways few players have ever achieved.

Ohtani’s jersey sales lead the league. His games routinely attract international media coverage, and Dodgers Stadium is filled with Japanese fans every time he steps up to the plate.

His ability to excel as both a pitcher and hitter has reshaped how young athletes see the game, inspiring a new generation of players to pursue both roles.

What’s Next for the Dodgers?

With Shohei Ohtani focusing on offense, the Dodgers have reshuffled their rotation and bullpen to account for his absence on the mound. The team’s deep pitching staff, led by Walker Buehler and Bobby Miller, has managed to maintain stability, but Ohtani’s future return to the rotation would give L.A. a lethal weapon down the stretch.

If Ohtani can return to face hitters in simulated games by midseason, it would mark a major milestone in his recovery — even if he doesn’t pitch in real games until 2026.

A Unique Legacy in the Making

Shohei Ohtani’s story is still being written. Whether or not he returns to full-time pitching, his offensive numbers alone put him among the elite. But the possibility of him reclaiming his two-way dominance keeps fans dreaming.

“Even with one arm, Shohei is better than most hitters with two,” said an anonymous MLB scout.

That’s the magic of Ohtani — a player who doesn’t just defy statistics, but redefines greatness.

Conclusion: Patience, Power, and Possibility

Dave Roberts’ comment about Ohtani potentially facing hitters in simulated games has given fans renewed hope. While there is no fixed timeline for his return to the mound, one thing is certain: Shohei Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers — and baseball itself — remains unmatched.

Whether he’s launching home runs into the upper deck or simply inspiring millions with his journey, Ohtani continues to prove that greatness isn’t about doing one thing well — it’s about doing everything with excellence.