Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has found a way to get even better on the mound, though it might come at a cost.
As detailed by Dylan Hernandez and Jack Harris of the California Post in their “The Dodger Post” show, Ohtani has tweaked his delivery on the mound, resulting in more powerful pitches.
“Physically, he obviously looks great, just by the fact that he’s hit 99 already. He’s kind of doing this thing where he’s tilting back a little bit more to generate more velocity, more power,” Hernandez said.
It’s not beneficial for all his pitches, however.
While Ohtani’s fastball is more powerful, it has affected the control of his slider, Hernandez explained.
That said, Hernandez doesn’t believe it will prevent him from being successful on the mound this year.
“I think he’s going to kind of figure things out,” Hernandez said. “There’s no reason to think that he won’t.”
Feb 13, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws in the bullpen during spring training camp. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesWill Ohtani Pitch in the WBC?
With the World Baseball Classic about to start, there’s a great deal of interest into whether Ohtani will pitch for the Japanese squad.
Ohtani hasn’t appeared on the mound in any Cactus League games, and the Dodgers don’t want him to pitch for Japan, either.
He’s said that he could pitch if former Angels teammate Mike Trout were up at the plate, referencing their pivotal matchup in the 2023 WBC.
Jun 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Trout, however, is set to miss the WBC due to insurance issues, so Ohtani’s comments seem more like a joke than anything.
That said, the prospect of Ohtani pitching in the WBC remains a possibility, although Hernandez said it’s not probable.
“I still think that, more likely than not, that he’s not going to pitch,” Hernandez said.
Outlook for Ohtani’s Pitching in 2026
Though he didn’t pitch in 2024, Ohtani had success in limited appearances on the mound in 2025.
He had an ERA of 2.87 in 47 innings of work.
During the playoffs, though he made history with a 10-strikeout game in which he also hit three home runs.
Do you think he can keep that momentum going into 2026? Let us know in the comments!
LA Baseball Report
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