Dave Roberts Admits Uncertainty as Dodgers Struggle to Map Out Shohei Ohtani’s Workload Plan

The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to managing some of the best talents in Major League Baseball. With a team that regularly contends for titles, the Dodgers have developed a reputation for optimizing their players’ performances through innovative strategies, often grounded in advanced data analytics and science. However, when it comes to managing a once-in-a-generation player like Shohei Ohtani, even the most forward-thinking teams find themselves in uncharted waters.

Ohtani, who possesses the rare ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level, is a player whose dual roles represent an unprecedented challenge. While the concept of a two-way player has existed in baseball history, Ohtani is by far the most accomplished modern example, making his ability to both dominate on the mound and in the batter’s box a complex conundrum for any team lucky enough to sign him.

The Dodgers, widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated and forward-thinking organizations in MLB, face a particular dilemma when it comes to mapping out a potential plan for Ohtani’s workload. As the team’s manager, Dave Roberts is no stranger to tough decisions. But even he has admitted there is significant uncertainty when it comes to handling Ohtani’s unique two-way abilities. As the Dodgers prepare for what could be a historic pursuit of Ohtani, the stakes are high, and how the team navigates his workload could ultimately determine not just Ohtani’s future, but the Dodgers’ ability to compete for championships over the next decade.

The Magnitude of Shohei Ohtani’s Talent

Before diving into the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s workload, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate just how extraordinary his talent is. Ohtani is an anomaly in the history of baseball. His ability to contribute as both a pitcher and a hitter at the highest level of the sport is unparalleled in the modern era. When Ohtani steps onto the field, he offers the rare combination of power, speed, and pitching excellence. As a hitter, he possesses incredible power, capable of hitting moonshot home runs, and as a pitcher, his fastball can hit 100 mph, while his devastating splitter and slider make him nearly unhittable.

In 2021, Ohtani’s performance stunned the baseball world. He became the first player since Babe Ruth to earn All-Star nods as both a position player and a pitcher. Over the course of the season, he hit 46 home runs and drove in 100 RBIs, while posting a 3.18 ERA as a starting pitcher. His batting prowess has made him one of the premier offensive players in baseball, while his pitching ability has earned him recognition as one of the top arms in the game.

The statistical feats are mind-boggling. But beyond the numbers, Ohtani’s combination of hitting and pitching at an elite level is a breathtaking reminder of just how special he is. The potential to have a player who can impact every aspect of a game—not just from the mound but also at the plate—creates unparalleled value. For the Dodgers, this is both a blessing and a burden, as managing a talent like Ohtani requires a level of foresight, precision, and innovation not often seen in the game.

The Dilemma for Dave Roberts

As manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dave Roberts has a reputation for being a player’s manager, someone who can handle high-stakes situations while building strong relationships with his players. However, when it comes to mapping out Ohtani’s workload, even Roberts admits there is no clear-cut solution. The main issue lies in how to balance Ohtani’s roles as both a pitcher and a hitter. Both roles require significant physical exertion, and the toll of performing in both capacities at the same time could eventually cause wear and tear on Ohtani’s body.

“Right now, we’re all still figuring it out,” Roberts admitted. “Shohei is an incredibly unique talent, and we’re going to have to do our homework and work with him to ensure we’re managing his workload in a way that optimizes his performance in both roles.”

The uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s workload stems from several factors. First and foremost, Ohtani’s body is under a different kind of stress than any other player. A typical starting pitcher in MLB makes one appearance every five days, but Ohtani, as both a hitter and a pitcher, would need to balance both roles in a single week. A batter faces a grueling 162-game season, with many of those games requiring a combination of physical exertion and mental focus. When combined with pitching, Ohtani’s workload becomes one of constant juggling.

The second factor complicating Roberts’ task is the uncertainty about Ohtani’s long-term durability. While Ohtani has shown no signs of slowing down, his pitching workload remains a question mark. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018, Ohtani has proven resilient, but the physical strain of both pitching and hitting at an elite level could increase the likelihood of injury. The potential risk to his arm, particularly given his high velocity, adds another layer of complexity to how his schedule should be handled.

The Potential Solutions and Challenges

Given the magnitude of the task ahead, the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff will likely explore several strategies to optimize Ohtani’s performance while minimizing the risk of injury. The strategies will likely fall into two broad categories: optimizing his two-way role or scaling back one of his duties.

1. Pitching and Hitting Split: One of the most likely scenarios that the Dodgers will consider is structuring Ohtani’s season in such a way that he is exclusively either a pitcher or a hitter for certain stretches. For instance, Ohtani could be designated as a full-time hitter during certain parts of the season when the team does not need his pitching contributions. On the flip side, during stretches of the season when the Dodgers are desperate for a dominant arm, Ohtani could be given more frequent starts as a pitcher. The challenge with this strategy is maintaining Ohtani’s flexibility and making sure that his value as both a hitter and pitcher is maximized, especially when it comes to postseason contention.
2. Load Management: Similar to how the NBA has approached load management for star players, the Dodgers could implement a specific schedule to limit Ohtani’s total workload. This might include fewer starts as a pitcher or assigning Ohtani fewer at-bats during stretches where his body needs more rest. Given that Ohtani has had a history of injuries, including Tommy John surgery, load management could allow the Dodgers to maximize his value while preserving his long-term health. However, finding the right balance could prove difficult, as Ohtani’s unique skill set requires him to stay sharp both at the plate and on the mound. There is also the potential for public backlash, as fans may expect to see Ohtani perform in both roles consistently.
3. Advanced Sports Science and Data: The Dodgers are renowned for their use of cutting-edge analytics and sports science. In Ohtani’s case, this will be crucial to understanding how his body reacts to the unique demands of being a two-way player. The Dodgers could lean heavily on biomechanical data to track Ohtani’s physical condition, using metrics to assess fatigue levels and risk factors associated with injury. This could allow the team to manage his workload in real time, ensuring that both his arm and his bat remain in peak form.
4. Focus on Health and Rest: Another possible approach would be to focus on Ohtani’s overall physical condition, ensuring that he remains healthy and rested throughout the season. The Dodgers may prioritize rest days and make adjustments to Ohtani’s schedule depending on his fatigue levels. This could also involve adjusting the rest of the Dodgers’ roster to accommodate for Ohtani’s needs, ensuring that he receives optimal recovery time after pitching starts or long stretches of hitting.

The Long-Term Outlook for Ohtani

Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are clearly facing a dilemma that will require a multi-faceted solution. How they choose to manage Ohtani’s workload will not only affect the immediate success of the team but could also impact Ohtani’s long-term career and value. Given the unprecedented nature of Ohtani’s skill set, it is impossible to predict the exact path forward, but the Dodgers will likely have to balance their desire for championships with Ohtani’s well-being.

The Dodgers’ future with Ohtani is also bound up in the broader context of his career. As one of the most coveted free agents in baseball, Ohtani’s decision to sign with a team will likely depend on how well that team can manage his unique talents. If the Dodgers prove to be the team that can optimize his two-way contributions while maintaining his health, they will not only gain Ohtani’s immediate impact but also ensure that his extraordinary abilities are part of their future for years to come.

In the end, the Dodgers’ uncertainty about Ohtani’s workload may simply be a reflection of the magnitude of the situation at hand. Managing a talent like Ohtani is uncharted territory for any team, and while there may be no easy answers, the Dodgers will certainly do everything in their power to make the most of this generational opportunity.

Dave Roberts and the Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a challenge unlike any other in the world of sports. Shohei Ohtani’s combination of pitching and hitting at an elite level creates an unparalleled dilemma in managing a player’s workload. While there is uncertainty around how best to handle his workload, the Dodgers are well-equipped to leverage their advanced analytics and sports science departments to find a solution. Whether that means load management, strategic rest periods, or splitting his duties between pitching and hitting, the Dodgers’ approach will ultimately play a critical role in maximizing Ohtani’s potential while safeguarding his long-term health. The stakes are high, but with careful planning and execution, the Dodgers have the opportunity to capitalize on Ohtani’s extraordinary talents and position themselves for long-term success.