Are the Los Angeles Dodgers creating a ticking time bomb in Shohei Ohtani's shoulder by letting him resume pitching? A legendary pitching coach believes the team needs to end his time as a dual-threat player.
Ohtani is one of the greatest talents to ever wear baseball cleats. Not just because he is an exceptional hitter, but because he is an All-Star-level pitcher. The Japanese superstar loves doing both, and the team has allowed him to work his way back to the mound to be a part of the pitching staff. However, legendary pitching coach Dr. Tom House believes he and the team are playing with fire by still thinking he has a future on the mound.
"No," Dr. House said when asked by Pablo Torres recently if Ohtani should keep pitching. "I think he's a hitter. He's proven all he needs to as a pitcher. I think his value to the ball club is on the field every day. I hope I am wrong [but] I don't think his shoulder can handle it… It's a combination of a bunch of stuff.
"Primarily, the thresholds with heavy weight training are good for hitting, but not for pitching. The everyday stresses of throwing downhill. When you throw on flat ground, the most energy you develop is four times body weight. It's four pounds of energy. When you go down a mound, you get about six times body weight. I don't think his shoulders can handle the deceleration."
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Dr. House admits he hasn't worked with Ohtani and is only seeing things from afar. He does believe his mechanics are sound and his mental makeup is strong. But he doesn't feel his body can hold up doing both. The doctor and former pitching coach's opinion should be taken seriously.
Dr. House is a legend in MLB circles and is known as the "father of modern pitching mechanics" and a "professor of throwing" due to his expertise in blending pitching with the science of arm mechanics. During his career, he worked with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and even NFL legends Drew Brees and Tom Brady.
Ohtani has made four appearances as a reliever this season. There have been rumblings that his future could be as a closer. However, there have been many around the game who have previously suggested he should not pitch. And instead, play the outfield. His arm and athleticism could make him a gold-glove winner.
It is something the team should seriously consider, especially if experts suggest there are huge dangers in his pitching. The Dodgers still have eight more seasons and over $500 million invested in the three-time MVP.
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