"Dodgers saying Shohei Ohtani will be ready, we don't believe so" - Sports doctor raises doubts over star's return for Spring Training amid surgery

Shohei Ohtani did not take long to earn his first World Series ring after making the high-profile move to the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason. One of the main reasons the potential three-time MVP wanted to leave the Los Angeles Angels was to improve his chances of winning, which came to fruition in his first year with his new club.

That said, it did not come without a cost for the four-time All-Star. During Game 2 of the World Series, Ohtani slid into second base, resulting in a brutal shoulder injury that lingered throughout the remainder of the postseason. On Tuesday, Ohtani underwent a procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

While the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Ohtani is expected to be ready for Spring Training, Dr. David J. Chao disagrees.

"We said likelihood of surgery after the season, he's had shoulder labrum repair surgery. The Dodgers are saying he'll be ready for Spring Training but we don't believe so," Dr. Chao said in an online video.

At this point, it may be difficult to rule out anything that Ohtani can do. After undergoing UCL surgery last offseason, there were doubts about how effective he could be as a full-time DH. Well, he became the first player in MLB history to record a 50 home run and 50 stolen base season. That being said, he may not be 100% even if cleared given the short timeline ahead of him.

"The Dodgers actually play in Japan early, middle of March. That's a very tough timeline for him to return to play. He's not going to be ready for the start of Spring Training. It would be a great thing if he could be ready for the start of the regular season," Dr. Chao continued.

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers open their season in March in Japan

Shohei Ohtani's global superstar status is another reason why the MLB will return to Japan to open the 2025 season. Last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened their World Series campaign against the San Diego Padres.

The Dodgers will take on Japanese stars Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki and the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on Mar. 18 and 19. It will be interesting to see if Dr. Chao's assessment of Ohtani's shoulder recovery is accurate and whether Shohei will partake.