For Shohei Ohtani, the crown jewel of a dream season — a World Series title in his Dodger Blue debut to pair with an unprecedented third MVP award — came with a price. But baseball’s bionic superstar is already rebuilding himself, one meticulous rehab session at a time.
Less than a month removed from hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy, the 30-year-old is in the early stages of his comeback from Nov. 5 arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury suffered on an attempted stolen base in Game 2 of the Fall Classic. The stitches are out, the range of motion exercises have begun.
“We’ve been stuck in rehab every day,” Ohtani said through his interpreter at Dodger Stadium, where he hardly had time to celebrate his historic MVP honors with his family. “The current goal is to bring back my range of motion… we’re slowly ramping up right now.”
Opening Day Aspirations
Like any competitor, Ohtani is already eyeing his return to the diamond. But the uniquely gifted phenom — who also dazzled solely as a DH last season while on the mend from 2023 elbow surgery — has his sights sets on an especially ambitious target.
“The goal is to be ready for Opening Day — that includes hitting and pitching — but we are kind of taking our time, obviously want to make sure I’m healthy first. We’re not going to rush anything.”
– Shohei Ohtani on his rehab goals
Never lacking for motivation, Ohtani said his latest kudo — becoming only the second player ever to win MVP in both leagues — “is going to motivate me more to continue to help the team win next year. We’d like to continue to win the World Series each year.”
Canine Concerns and Sasaki Speculation
Not even rehab could rattle Ohtani like another critical moment this year — when his beloved dog Decoy had the honor of delivering the ceremonial first pitch.
“The most nerve-wracking game, the most nervous I was when we had Decoy throw out the pitch.”
– Ohtani on his most anxious baseball moment this year
Ohtani was also asked about another hyped import, pitching phenom Roki Sasaki, who is expected to sign with an MLB club by January. The two were teammates on Japan’s World Baseball Classic squad in 2023.
“No, I haven’t really been recruiting him in any way,” Ohtani clarified. “I consider him a friend… I’ll respect his decision wherever he wants to sign and I think he’ll do well wherever he goes.”
The Recovery Road Ahead
For now, Ohtani’s focus remains squarely on his shoulder and a spring training return. According to medical experts, the typical timeline for pitchers returning from a torn labrum is:
- 6-8 weeks before throwing
- 3-4 months before pitching off a mound
- 9-12 month full recovery
While Ohtani, the Dodgers and their fans all dream of the baseball unicorn being back to his full two-way dominance by Opening Day, slow and steady may win out. In an era of nine-figure arms, one of the game’s most prized possessions is sure to proceed with caution.
But if anyone can defy timelines and cement a legendary return, it may just be the man who has already rewritten baseball’s record books. For Ohtani and an expectant baseball world, the biggest rehab of his career is officially underway.
