Ohtani Aims for Healthy Season, Cy Young Award

Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani sets sights on pitching excellence after overcoming injuries.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' star pitcher, is focused on achieving a fully healthy season as he prepares for the 2026 MLB campaign. After overcoming significant challenges, including Tommy John surgery in 2023 and shoulder surgery in 2024, Ohtani is determined to regain his pitching dominance and compete for the Cy Young Award.

Why it matters

Ohtani's health and performance are crucial for the Dodgers' success, as he is a dual-threat player who excels both on the mound and at the plate. If he can stay healthy and maintain his high level of play, the Dodgers stand to benefit greatly from his contributions.

The details

Ohtani has already begun intensive spring training at Camelback Ranch, recording his third bullpen session of the spring and aiming to escalate his readiness with live batting practices against hitters next week. The Dodgers are likely to adopt a six-man starting rotation to manage pitcher fatigue and protect Ohtani's arm, particularly after his limited workload of 47 innings during the regular 2025 season and 20 1/3 innings in the postseason.

  • Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023.
  • Ohtani underwent shoulder surgery at the conclusion of the 2024 World Series.
  • Ohtani has already begun intensive spring training at Camelback Ranch, recording his third bullpen session of the spring.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani is a four-time MVP and has won two World Series championships. He is aiming to regain his pitching dominance and compete for the Cy Young Award this season.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Roberts indicated the team will likely adopt a six-man starting rotation to manage pitcher fatigue and protect Ohtani's arm.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A teammate of Ohtani's on the Dodgers, Yamamoto is expected to participate in the World Baseball Classic with Ohtani.

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What they’re saying

“I thought it was a good thing, actually, to have a shorter offseason,”

— Shohei Ohtani

“I think early, it's hard to say it won't be (a six-man starting rotation). How beholden we are to that, for how long, I don't know. But I think it's easy to say that because the early part of the season we're very mindful of giving guys rest to keep guys built up. I think that lends itself to that. It's hard to say right now who those participants are. It really is. But I do think that with the pitching, the starting pitching depth we have, it makes sense as I sit here right now. How that looks, end of April? I'm not sure yet.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“I think the regular offseason ramp-up, there's certainly a lot more in there. Regardless of my expectations for him, his are going to exceed those. I think it's fair to say he expects to be in the Cy Young conversation. But we just want him to be healthy and make starts. All the numbers and statistics will take care of themselves. But man, this guy is such a disciplined worker and expects the most from himself.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

Ohtani and teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto are expected to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, although the amount Ohtani will pitch during the international event remains uncertain.

The takeaway

Shohei Ohtani's commitment to regaining full health and his ambition for pitching accolades underscores the significance of this season for his career trajectory. If he can sustain his physical condition through the lengthy grind of an MLB season, the Dodgers stand to benefit greatly from his dual-threat capabilities as both a dominant pitcher and hitter.