"Kyle Schwarber tore ACL & dominated World Series" – Former All-Star pitcher advocates for Shohei Ohtani pitching in playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't ruled out Shohei Ohtani pitching in the 2024 playoffs. With a spot in the NL postseason all but assured by this point, it's important to start looking ahead, especially for a team with an astonishing amount of pitching injuries. It may seem foolish to rush Ohtani back to the mound after Tommy John, but a former All-Star pitcher believes it's a good idea.

On Tuesdya's episode of SportsNets' Blair & Parker, Ryan Dempster said (16:26 - 17:45):

"My only fear of him wanting to pitch is him getting hurt again because I don't want to lose his bat in the lineup. ... If he says he's ready to go, then you pitch him. Why not? Kyle Schwarber tore his ACL in the first game of the season in Anaheim, ... and went out there and dominated in the World Series."

The former Chicago Cubs pitcher said that Ohtani is a special player and that, if he's healthy, the Dodgers should let him pitch.

Ohtani has been rehabbing his arm while hitting almost every day in the Dodgers lineup, so he has been building to a return at some point. All signs pointed to that being in 2025, but some injuries to players and a good rehab has made way for a possible 2024 return to the mound.

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Shohei Ohtani nearing record with bat despite not pitching

Barring a surprising finish, Shohei Ohtani is likely to be the very first primary DH to win MVP. He's also likely to set a few records over the next few games. If the slugger can hit two home runs and steal two bases in the next 11 games, he will be the first player with 50 home runs and 50 steals in a season.

Shohei Ohtani has 48 homers (Imagn)

Despite the historic pursuit, both of the 50/50 club and the first DH MVP, Ohtani doesn't feel any pressure. He said, via ESPN:

"Just trying to maintain quality at-bats regardless of the situation. It's something I've been trying to do over the course of the entire season."

He is also one home run away from tying the Dodgers' franchise record for most in one season. Despite not pitching, he has still been one of baseball's best players.