Shohei Ohtani Expected to Pitch for Dodgers in 2027

Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, announced on Wednesday that surgery is not on the table for Shohei Ohtani and that he fully expects the player to pitch next season. According to the Japan Times, Friedman also said Ohtani intends to return as a two‑way player. The announcement came after Ohtani’s 2026 season ended with a sweep in the National League Championship Series.

Ohtani’s 2026 season was hampered by a knee injury and a biceps injury. He did not pitch after July 3 and finished the year with 14 starts, 85⅔ innings, an 8‑2 record, a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts. The injuries also limited his offensive production in the final 26 games of the season.

In 2026, Ohtani batted .275 with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs over 135 games. He made his sixth consecutive All‑Star appearance. He also hit a three‑run home run in Game 4 of the NLCS, ending a 25‑game home‑run drought.

The Dodgers plan to keep Ohtani in a six‑man rotation for 2027, pitching him every sixth day. They may also use a two‑way strategy, allowing him to bat in some games while pitching in others. The team has depth in the rotation and can adjust the schedule to protect Ohtani’s health.