The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to delay plans for Shohei Ohtani to return to pitching, a move that could affect the Japanese two-way star's chances of winning the MVP award this season.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news on Saturday, adding that the delay does not mean Ohtani will finish the season without pitching. He said the 32-year-old could still return to the mound later in the campaign.
Ohtani, who underwent elbow surgery last year, has so far only played as a designated hitter since the start of the 2026 season. The postponement of his pitching schedule is reportedly aimed at ensuring he fully recovers before returning to mound duties.
Meanwhile, Ohtani continues to have an impressive offensive season and remains one of the leading candidates for the National League MVP award. Not being able to perform in both roles as in previous seasons could hurt his chances of claiming that prestigious individual honor.
The Dodgers currently lead the National League West standings and are focused on defending their World Series title. The team is expected to be cautious with Ohtani's pitching workload, prioritizing long-term goals over injury risk.
