Ohtani Eyes Return To Mound In 2024, Surgery Status Uncertain

Shohei Ohtani intends to pitch in 2024 despite a troubling conclusion to this season marked by injury and offensive decline. The two-way star hasn't taken the mound since early July due to a left knee injury, while right biceps inflammation has also cropped up during the campaign, leaving questions about his near-term availability.

A difficult finish at the plate. Ohtani's offensive struggles in the final stretch tell part of the story. Over 88 plate appearances from mid-August onward, he managed just a .160 average with a 58 wRC+, indicating both injuries and fatigue may have sapped his productivity down the stretch. The knee issue appears to be the primary culprit affecting both his pitching and hitting mechanics.

Surgery or rehabilitation. The critical unknown heading into the offseason is whether Ohtani will opt for surgery to address either injury or pursue conservative rehabilitation. That decision will heavily influence when—or if—he's available to pitch early in the new season. Depending on the surgical route, a lengthy recovery could delay his return to the mound significantly.

Impact on his timeline. Even with his stated intention to pitch, the distinction between having surgery and skipping it matters enormously for fantasy projections and team planning. A conservative approach might allow him to DH sooner, but could push pitching appearances into late summer or beyond. Ohtani's dual role depends entirely on both injuries healing adequately, making the offseason decision pivotal for his entire 2024 value proposition.

Source: original report ↗