Story perspectives

Dodgers Confirm Ohtani Will Pitch in 2027, No Surgery

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 6:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Shohei Ohtani will pitch in 2027 and will not have surgery.
Ohtani dealt with left-knee irritation and right-biceps inflammation throughout the second half of the 2026 season.
He made his final start on July 3 and was shut down from pitching thereafter.
Doctors assessed Ohtani and prescribed rest as treatment for his injuries.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 the Red Sox traded for Curt Schilling, granting a two-year extension despite lingering injuries, and his 21–6 2004 season helped break the Curse of the Bambino. That high-risk, long-term deal set a precedent for teams weighing medical risk against elite talent. Now Dodgers executive Andrew Friedman’s 2027 Ohtani comeback plan echoes that era’s willingness to invest in injured stars.

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Story summary

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Shohei Ohtani will pitch in 2027 and will not have surgery.
Ohtani dealt with left-knee irritation and right-biceps inflammation throughout the second half of the 2026 season.
He made his final start on July 3 and was shut down from pitching thereafter.
Doctors assessed Ohtani and prescribed rest as treatment for his injuries.

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