Shohei Ohtani Planning To Continue Pitching In 2027 Season

Shohei Ohtani last pitched in a game on July 3 because of persistent right arm and left injuries that may require surgeries, but the 32-year-old has visions of resuming his two-way prowess for the Los Angeles Dodgers next season.

“Yes, definitely,” Ohtani answered through interpreter Will Ireton when asked if he planned to pitch again in 2027. “And looking forward to having a better season next year.”

Ohtani added he was “not quite satisfied” with how his 2026 season went from a pitching perspective given that he wasn’t available on the mound during the second half and into the playoffs.

“I haven’t really been able to come to grips in terms of what I’ve learned overall this season,” Ohtani said. “I’m going to go back to the drawing board in terms of treatment, training program and see what I can come up with for next season.”

Ohtani’s comments came after he went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in the Dodgers’ loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. Ohtani’s homer gave Los Angeles a 4-0 lead but like in each of the first three NLCS games, they failed to protect it.

That Ohtani is already plotting a return to the mound is nothing short of surprising. He’s openly shared how much being a two-way player means to him, and it’s a role the Dodgers fully support Ohtani in.

Though, this season should be used as a learning lesson for all involved. Even as the Dodgers indefinitely removed Ohtani from their rotation, he remained in the lineup on an everyday basis under the assertions that his injuries did not impact him at the plate.

Ohtani’s production, swings and quality of at-bats suggested otherwise, but it wasn’t until the middle of September he was finally placed on the 15-day injured list.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged there could have been better communication between the parties along the way, and he hoped there would be moving forward.

On the pitching front, Ohtani ended the season 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 14 starts.

Does Shohei Ohtani need surgery?

Before Ohtani can begin to prepare for a return to pitching next year, his health will first need to be addressed. But, Ohtani said he was not certain of any sort of procedures would be required because of his injuries.

He underwent left shoulder surgery after the Dodgers won the 2024 World Series.