Yearly in each sport, a “paper” champion is said
earlier than the season begins. As in, “on paper, (fill within the clean) appears to be like just like the
finest crew within the league.” Earlier than the 2024 MLB season started, for many
prognosticators, this paper champion was the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Along with bringing again the key elements that obtained the membership
to the NLDS in 2023, the Dodgers determined to take an opportunity on a participant named Shohei
Ohtani, giving him a contract equal to the GDP of many international locations. It’s protected
to say that Los Angeles’ funding is to date paying off properly, as Ohtani is
having his finest yr in nearly all offensive classes, together with hits, residence
runs and RBI. Plus, he simply recorded the primary 50-50 season in MLB historical past.
Regardless of Ohtani’s heroics, nevertheless, the Dodgers aren’t
working away with their division, nor have they got the perfect report in baseball.
Whereas the crew has thrived on offense — its .254 crew batting common is nice for
fifth within the league — its pitching has left so much to be desired. At 3.93,
the Dodgers’ crew ERA is just 14th-best in MLB.
A lot of L.A.’s pitching woes have been injury-related. The crew has put several starters on the injured list this summer, with Clayton Kershaw and Tyler
Glasnow doubtlessly being unable to return this season. So, with a dearth of starters, is it attainable that the Dodgers would ship Ohtani out to the mound through the
playoffs just a bit over a yr after main elbow surgical procedure?
“Something is feasible,” said manager Dave Roberts. “We’ve nonetheless obtained a number of work to get to October and
by way of October. I hope that’s on his thoughts so far as motivation for his rehab.
However the odds of it coming to move are very slim. However they’re not zero.”
Maybe impressed by the glitz and glamor of La La Land, Roberts
added, “If I used to be scripting a film or writing a e-book, it could be a no brainer
that he comes out of rehabilitation and throws the final pitch.”
So would the Dodgers hand the ball to a rusty Ohtani in a
huge spot? Or, extra importantly, would they danger the well being of a participant with a
observe report of accidents that they simply made a significant 10-year dedication to? Most likely
not.
However,
would they throw this concept on the market as a little bit of an intimidation issue? Possibly
an opportunity to get within the heads of their future opponents lengthy earlier than the playoffs
begin? That looks as if the more likely situation.
