Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani May Play in the Field in 2024 Amid Injury Rehab, Manager Says

The Los Angeles Dodgers know Shohei Ohtani won't be able to pitch for them this season, but that doesn't mean the reigning AL MVP will be limited to being a DH-only player in 2024.

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Monday that Ohtani is starting a throwing program that could allow him to play in the field in games when he's not the designated hitter.

"Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter," Roberts said. "Once we get back to the States, he is going to start his throwing program, which he hasn't started yet. We'll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we'll have that conversation in the field. I do know he's not going to pitch this year."

Ohtani had elbow surgery in September after being diagnosed with a torn UCL. He is on track to be available as a hitter when the Dodgers open the season on Wednesday in South Korea and return to pitching in 2025.

The Dodgers have been coy about Ohtani's role as a hitter going into this season. It's been assumed he would be their full-time DH since that's what he did most of the time for the Los Angeles Angels on days he didn't pitch.

Ohtani did experiment with playing in the outfield for a few games in 2021. He played a total of 8.1 innings between right and left field, so the sample size doesn't say much about his ability to handle either position.

One MLB executive told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal in November they could see Ohtani being able to handle center field because "he can really run" at this stage of his career.

While Ohtani is an incredible athlete, it might be asking too much to put him at one of the most important positions on the diamond with no previous experience at that spot.

The Dodgers love roster flexibility as much as any team in MLB. Max Muncy made a career out of being able to play five different positions.

Mookie Betts' move from the outfield to shortstop does leave the door open for Ohtani to get reps in right field. Jason Heyward will likely receive most of the playing time at the position, but he's also a platoon player who can't hit lefties at this point in his career.

Whatever role the Dodgers use Ohtani in this season, it's safe to assume he will put up huge offensive numbers no matter what. Hit had a .304/.412/.654 slash line and 44 homers in 135 games for the Angels in 2023.