Shohei Ohtani: How Many Innings Will He Pitch in 2025?
Shohei Ohtani is one of the most electrifying talents in MLB history—a two-way phenom with the ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate. Ever since his debut with the Los Angeles Angels and now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, fans and analysts alike have speculated about one key question: How many innings will Shohei Ohtani pitch this season?
The 2025 season has been particularly intriguing due to Ohtani’s return from elbow surgery, his modified role with the Dodgers, and a recent game where he unexpectedly left early. These developments have fueled speculation around his health, future, and role in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
Let’s dive into the details surrounding Ohtani’s pitching outlook, recent MLB updates, and what really happened when he left the game.
Ohtani’s Unique Two-Way Talent
To understand why his innings pitched matter so much, you first need to appreciate Ohtani’s historic value as a two-way player.
- 2021 AL MVP: 9-2 record, 3.18 ERA, and 46 home runs.
- 2022 season: 15-9 record, 2.33 ERA, and 219 strikeouts.
- First player to be selected as both a pitcher and a hitter in the All-Star Game.
The demands of playing both ways in MLB are enormous, especially on the arm. That’s why his workload—particularly pitching innings—is closely monitored.
2024 Injury and Recovery: Why Shohei Ohtani Didn’t Pitch
In September 2023, Ohtani underwent elbow surgery, effectively ending his 2024 season as a pitcher. The Dodgers, who signed him to a record-breaking $700 million contract in December 2023, were aware of his need for rest and recovery.
As a result:
- 2024: Ohtani played only as a designated hitter (DH).
- 2025: Marked his anticipated return to the mound.
The Dodgers’ plan was to ease him into pitching duties, balancing his offensive production with pitching recovery.
How Many Innings Will Ohtani Pitch in 2025?
According to Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts and various MLB insiders, Shohei Ohtani is expected to pitch between 100–120 innings in the 2025 season.
Factors Influencing His Innings:
- Post-surgery workload management
- Dodgers’ deep pitching rotation
- Playoff aspirations—they want him fresh for October
- Dual-role fatigue concerns
Projections:
| Source | Projected Innings |
|---|---|
| MLB.com | 110 innings |
| Fangraphs | 105–120 innings |
| ESPN Fantasy | 115 innings (estimated) |
So far in the 2025 MLB season, Ohtani has pitched in 7 games, throwing approximately 38.2 innings, with a 3.20 ERA and 49 strikeouts. That places him slightly ahead of a 100-inning pace—if health permits.
Why Did Shohei Ohtani Leave the Game Early?
One of the season’s biggest headlines came in July 2025, when Ohtani abruptly left a game after just 2.1 innings pitched against the San Diego Padres.
What Happened?
- Ohtani was showing reduced velocity in his fastball.
- Trainers noticed signs of fatigue in his throwing arm.
- He was pulled as a precautionary measure.
Official Statement from Dodgers:
“Shohei was removed due to mild forearm tightness. We are being extremely cautious, given his importance to the team.”
Injury Concerns: Should Fans Be Worried?
Current Status:
- MRI results were negative for structural damage.
- Listed as day-to-day.
- Skipped one rotation cycle and is expected back soon.
The Dodgers are being very conservative with his workload. They plan to use a 6-man rotation moving forward to provide Ohtani extra rest.
Expert Insight:
According to Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Ohtani’s surgery:
“The healing is solid, but fatigue and minor flare-ups are common. With rest, he should be able to continue pitching this season.”
MLB Reactions: What Analysts Are Saying
Jeff Passan (ESPN):
“The Dodgers have the depth to rest Ohtani when needed. His 100–110 innings could be the most efficient in the league.”
Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic):
“Ohtani leaving the game caused panic, but the situation appears manageable. Expect a modified, strategic usage.”
How Dodgers Are Managing Ohtani’s Pitching Role
The Dodgers aren’t using him like a traditional starter. Instead, they’ve implemented a hybrid approach.
Dodgers’ Strategy:
- Skip starts if needed (especially after long games as a hitter)
- Limit pitch count to 85–95 pitches
- Extended rest between starts
- Utilize bullpen early if signs of fatigue appear
Shohei Ohtani’s Impact on the Dodgers Lineup
Even when not pitching, Ohtani remains one of the most valuable hitters in MLB.
2025 Hitting Stats (as of July):
- .312 BA
- 26 home runs
- 68 RBIs
- OPS: .990
The Dodgers have the luxury to pull him off the mound without pulling him out of the lineup completely. That’s the benefit of having Ohtani as DH. Shohei Ohtani innings pitched.
Shohei Ohtani’s MLB Legacy and Global Impact
Ohtani isn’t just a star in the United States. He’s an international icon, especially in Japan, where his every move is followed religiously.
Global Impact:
- Over 2 million followers on Instagram
- Regularly draws millions of international viewers per game
- Led Japan to a WBC title in 2023
Even when he leaves a game early, it’s headline news across sports media worldwide.
Shohei Ohtani Stats Comparison: 2021 vs. 2025
| Category | 2021 | 2025 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Games Pitched | 23 | 18–20 |
| Innings | 130.1 | 110–120 |
| ERA | 3.18 | 3.00–3.40 |
| Strikeouts | 156 | 140–150 |
The drop in innings doesn’t necessarily mean a drop in performance. In fact, with better defense and run support in LA, Ohtani could have higher efficiency and win percentage. Shohei Ohtani innings pitched.
What This Means for MLB and Fantasy Baseball
In fantasy leagues, Ohtani is typically listed as two separate players—one as a hitter, one as a pitcher. This season, his pitching role has been more volatile due to load management.
Fantasy Tips:
- Target him more for hitting production.
- As a pitcher, treat him as a matchup-based option.
- Monitor team news before every start.
Future Outlook: Will Ohtani Pitch More in 2026?
Given his long-term contract, the Dodgers are investing in Ohtani’s future, not just this year. Assuming no further setbacks:
- 2026 innings projection: 140–160 innings
- Possible move to full-time starting pitcher
- Potential Cy Young and MVP contention
Ohtani himself has expressed the desire to increase his innings in future seasons, as long as his health allows it. Shohei Ohtani innings pitched.
Final Thoughts: How Many Innings Will Shohei Ohtani Pitch?
The magic number for Shohei Ohtani in 2025 seems to be around 110 innings, give or take. While the early exit from a recent game raised concerns, it appears to be more precautionary than alarming.
Dodgers fans, fantasy managers, and baseball purists alike should continue to enjoy watching the most unique player in MLB history as he redefines what’s possible in the game.
Key Takeaways:
- Ohtani expected to pitch 100–120 innings in 2025.
- Left a game early due to forearm tightness—no structural damage.
- Dodgers managing his workload with a hybrid, cautious approach.
- His hitting continues to be elite, even when not pitching.
- Long-term outlook is positive, with an eye on 2026.
