Shohei Ohtani Expected to be in Opening Day Starting Rotation
When asked if he expects two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation as a pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, "I do." Ohtani will not pitch at all for Team Japan during the upcoming World Baseball Classic, so he probably will be on a strict innings limit to begin the 2026 season, but he'll be in the Dodgers' rotation. The 31-year-old four-time MVP and five-time All-Star didn't make his season debut on the mound for L.A. until mid-June after recovering from Tommy John surgery he had in September of 2023, and he was slowly eased into the rotation. Ohtani made 14 starts (47 innings) during the regular season and had a 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 62:9 K:BB. The leash was lengthened in the postseason, as he made four starts and threw 20 1/3 frames, striking out 28 and walking seven. Fantasy managers should anticipate a limited workload early on, but the expectation is that he'll be a full two-way player in 2026.
Source: Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
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