As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the World Series against the New York Yankees, one of the most anticipated narratives has been laid to rest: Shohei Ohtani, the superstar once heralded for his dual-threat capability as both a pitcher and hitter, will not return to the mound. With Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts making it unequivocally clear, “There is no possibility, none whatsoever,” fans who were hoping for an Ohtani comeback must now fully focus on his unprecedented achievements as a designated hitter this season.
Ohtani’s journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Following major elbow surgery last September, he transitioned from a cherished pitcher with the Los Angeles Angels to a formidable designated hitter for the Dodgers. His statistics speak for themselves; he’s on track to secure the NL MVP title, having made history with the first-ever 50-home run, 50 stolen base season in Major League Baseball. Yet, while the accolades pile up, the reality of his situation looms over the Dodgers’ postseason hopes.
The Bullpen’s Backbone
Despite the absence of Ohtani’s pitching prowess, the Dodgers’ bullpen has managed to carve out an identity of its own. With only three starters, the team may resort to employing at least one bullpen game during the World Series. With that strategy comes the need for solid relief pitching, especially in high-stakes matchups against a powerhouse like the Yankees.
Top left-handed reliever Alex Vesia remains optimistic about rejoining the roster following an intercostal injury that sidelined him during the National League Championship Series. Demonstrating promising signs, he recently threw 15 pitches in a live bullpen session, showcasing glimpses of the 1.76 ERA he posted throughout the regular season. His return would be a significant boost for a relief corps that has served as the backbone of the team’s late-inning strategy.
Graterol’s Resurgence
Equally vital to the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations is the potential return of Brusdar Graterol, who, despite significant injuries limiting his contributions throughout the regular season, carries with him a remarkable postseason pedigree. With a 1.64 ERA over 22 postseason appearances, Roberts emphasized Graterol’s talent and history, saying, “We believe in the person, the stuff.” His impending return adds a layer of depth to the Dodgers’ bullpen, but it raises the question of how effectively he can contribute after a prolonged absence.
As the World Series approaches, the Dodgers find themselves at a crossroads. The absence of Ohtani on the mound means looking elsewhere for contributions, but the team’s resilience shone through in the NLCS. With key bullpen arms potentially ready to contribute, the Dodgers will need to leverage their collective strength if they are to secure a championship without their star two-way player. As they embark on their battle against the Yankees, the question remains: can the bullpen carry the weight of expectation in an era defined by individual brilliance?