Shohei Ohtani will not undergo surgery to address any ailment he dealt with during the past season, Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Wednesday. The announcement removes a significant question mark surrounding the two-way star's offseason.
Friedman also expressed confidence about Ohtani's return to the mound, telling ESPN, "I fully expect him to pitch next year." The remark points toward Ohtani resuming his role as a pitcher in 2027, a prospect that carries major implications for the Dodgers' roster planning.
For Dodgers fans, the news provides clarity at a time when the club's offseason decisions hinge on the health of its most valuable player. Avoiding surgery suggests Ohtani will be able to proceed with a normal winter regimen rather than a rehabilitation timeline.
Friedman's comments, first reported by ESPN, offer the most direct indication yet that the Dodgers expect Ohtani to contribute on both sides of the ball next season. The organization's outlook now shifts from medical uncertainty to preparation for his return to the rotation.
