Shohei Ohtani, a five-time All-Star and four-time Most Valuable Player, is eyeing a Cy Young Award, the only major honor he hasn't won. With a World Series win and World Baseball Classic championship under his belt, Ohtani's baseball resume is already impressive. However, his journey to the Cy Young Award is not without challenges. An elbow injury sidelined him for the 2024 season, but he made a successful return in the postseason, helping the Dodgers secure their second consecutive World Series title. Manager Dave Roberts believes Ohtani's disciplined work ethic and focus on rest and recovery will make him even more dominant on the mound this season. Ohtani, who is entering his third season with the Dodgers, is fully recovered and ready to take on a full-time, two-way player role. He's set to throw live batting practice before joining Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic, where he'll focus on his hitting rather than pitching. The team's decision to keep Ohtani off the mound in the WBC is a strategic move to ensure his long-term health and prepare him for the Dodgers' opening day against the Arizona Diamondbacks. With the season's start looming, Ohtani's throwing schedule in Japan remains uncertain, but Roberts assures that the team will be flexible and prioritize Ohtani's readiness for the season.
