Off day Dodger Talk (4-16-26)

In this episode of Dodger Talk, host Tim Cates dives into a provocative debate about whether the Dodgers should allow Shohei Ohtani to pitch without hitting on the nights he starts, especially during their grueling 13-game stretch in 13 days. Cates argues that with Ohtani now 31 and having undergone two Tommy John surgeries, the physical toll of being a two-way player could jeopardize his long-term health and performance. He highlights that the Dodgers have such depth in their lineup and pitching staff—thanks to a six-man rotation—that they could afford to rest Ohtani’s bat once a week, allowing him to focus solely on pitching and potentially position himself for a Cy Young Award. The discussion draws on real-world parallels like 'load management' in the NBA and historical examples such as John Smoltz’s assertion that Ohtani could be the best pitcher in baseball if he only pitched. Listener calls largely support the idea, acknowledging Ohtani’s value while emphasizing the need to preserve his longevity. The episode also features a detailed farm report on top Dodgers prospects like Josue DePaula, Zaire Hope, and James Tibbs III, showcasing the team’s deep pipeline. Cates concludes that while Ohtani will likely return to his two-way role in October, the idea of a temporary shift during the regular season is worth serious consideration for the sake of the franchise’s long-term success.