The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Shohei Ohtani's recovery following shoulder surgery on his non-throwing arm. Ohtani underwent a procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury sustained during the World Series. This comes after he missed the entire season due to elbow surgery.
General manager Brandon Gomes emphasized the importance of a gradual rehabilitation process, focusing on incremental progress rather than setting specific timelines. Ohtani's remarkable performance in the 2024 season, where he achieved a rare feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, has raised expectations for his return.
The Dodgers are also monitoring the status of Clayton Kershaw, who underwent surgery but remains a free agent. Additionally, star player Mookie Betts is likely to transition back to the infield next season for health reasons.
Manager Dave Roberts, whose contract expires after the upcoming season, is a key figure in the Dodgers' plans. The team is looking to secure a new deal with Roberts, given his successful tenure that includes two World Series titles.
On the pitching front, the Dodgers are preparing a rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Tyler Glasnow for the upcoming season. Each pitcher has faced their own injury challenges but is expected to be ready for opening day.
As the offseason progresses, the Dodgers will continue to focus on player health and roster decisions to position themselves for another successful campaign in the competitive MLB landscape.
