Dodgers' Ohtani eyes 'being healthy the whole year,' shot at Cy Young - ESPN

ESPN

by Alden Gonzalez

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Shohei Ohtani's return to a full-time two-way role with the Los Angeles Dodgers marks a significant milestone in his career. After undergoing elbow surgery and spending time recovering during his first fully healthy offseason since joining the Dodgers in 2023, Ohtani has restarted his dual role as both a pitcher and a hitter. This shift is particularly notable because it comes after he pitched in the postseason last year despite feeling the effects of playing two roles deep into the season. Ohtani's primary focus this year is on staying healthy throughout the entire season, which he sees as key to achieving his goal of winning the Cy Young Award—a prestigious honor he has yet to win. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has already been impressed by Ohtani's command and feel for breaking pitches during early spring training sessions, hinting at potential upside beyond expectations. In a recent interview, Ohtani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to full-time pitching and hitting, calling it a "really good experience overall" despite the challenges of balancing both roles last season. He emphasized that staying healthy will allow him to contribute more consistently to the team and potentially contend for individual awards like the Cy Young. Ohtani's journey with the Dodgers is already shaping up as one of the most anticipated storylines of the 2026 season. His performance could not only redefine his career but also set new standards in baseball, given his unique blend of pitching dominance and hitting prowess. With four MVP awards under his belt and a reputation as one of the most talented players in the game, Ohtani's return to form is eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike. The Dodgers' ability to integrate such a high-impact player into their lineup has positioned them as strong contenders for another championship run. As Ohtani works through spring training and prepares for the regular season, his progress will be closely monitored not just

Verticals

sports

Originally published on ESPN on 2/14/2026