Dodgers Manager Cautions on Shohei Ohtani’s Exhausting Two-Way Role, Exposes Strain of Heavy Pitching Load.

Shohei Ohtani has captivated the world of baseball in a way few players ever have. As both a dominant pitcher and a fearsome hitter, he’s redefined what’s possible in Major League Baseball. But while fans continue to marvel at his extraordinary two-way performances, those inside the Dodgers organization are sounding a note of caution. In a candid and revealing discussion, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shed light on the immense physical and mental toll Ohtani’s dual responsibilities are taking—and why the team is approaching his role with serious consideration and restraint moving forward.

From the outside, Ohtani’s success looks almost mythological. In the span of just a few seasons, he has racked up achievements that most players can only dream of. He’s been an MVP, a home run leader, and an All-Star—all while also being a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Yet behind every one of those accomplishments is an enormous and often grueling workload that few, if any, athletes have ever had to endure in modern baseball.

Roberts, known for his honest and balanced assessments, didn’t hold back when discussing the demands placed on Ohtani. “People see the highlights,” he said. “They see the home runs, the strikeouts, the velocity, the power. What they don’t see is what goes into keeping that machine running every day. It’s not sustainable forever—not at that level, not with that kind of intensity.”

Since joining the Dodgers, Ohtani has continued to embrace the challenge of being a two-way player, but Roberts made it clear that the organization is carefully weighing the cost. While Ohtani has always insisted on maintaining both roles, the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff are aware that long-term success might require a different approach. The pitcher-hitter hybrid role is unprecedented in today’s game, and with that comes uncharted territory in terms of athlete management, recovery, and injury prevention.

One of the most significant concerns is the wear and tear on Ohtani’s body, particularly his arm. Having undergone Tommy John surgery in the past, Ohtani’s health has already been a major topic of discussion. The team is hyper-aware of how easily a pitcher’s career can be derailed by overuse. Add in the fact that he’s also taking hundreds of at-bats and running the bases daily, and it becomes a question not of talent, but of sustainability.

“You’re talking about a guy who finishes a game on the mound, then is expected to hit cleanup the next day,” Roberts explained. “That’s not normal. There’s no blueprint for it. He’s not just doing it—he’s excelling. But we have to be realistic. No one—not even Shohei—is immune to fatigue and risk.”

Roberts noted that part of the challenge is Ohtani’s relentless drive. “He never wants to come out of the lineup. He wants to compete every day, at both ends. You admire that, you respect it. But it also puts us as coaches in a tough spot. We have to be the ones to say, ‘Slow down,’ even when he won’t.”

The mental aspect is also an underrated piece of the puzzle. Preparing for a start as a pitcher is already a full-time job—studying hitters, reviewing film, bullpen sessions, managing routines. Add the responsibilities of a hitter, and you have a schedule that would overwhelm almost anyone. Ohtani, however, has managed to shoulder it. Still, Roberts stressed that the psychological burden can’t be ignored.

“People don’t talk enough about the mental side,” he said. “It’s exhausting to have to prepare in two different ways, to be locked in on both sides of the ball. There’s no break for him. Even when he DHs, he’s thinking about his next start on the mound. That’s an incredible load to carry.”

When asked whether the Dodgers are considering changing Ohtani’s role in the future, Roberts didn’t give a definitive answer—but he hinted that conversations are ongoing. “We’re always evaluating,” he said. “We want what’s best for him and for the team. That might mean fewer starts on the mound, or managing off-days more carefully. Nothing’s off the table.”

There’s also a broader implication here—what Ohtani’s career means for the future of baseball. His success has already inspired a new generation of players to pursue two-way roles, but Roberts warned that what Ohtani is doing may not be replicable. “He’s a unicorn,” he said. “You can’t just take another talented guy and expect him to do what Shohei does. It’s not just about skill—it’s about mindset, preparation, durability. That’s what makes him one of one.”

Roberts also pointed out that the pressure Ohtani faces is amplified by the expectations of fans and media. “Everyone wants to see him pitch and hit. Every night. They want highlights. But at what cost? Our job is to protect him, even when that means making unpopular decisions. We owe that to him.”

Despite the warnings, Roberts made it clear that the team has nothing but admiration for Ohtani’s commitment and work ethic. “He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen,” Roberts said. “He pushes himself every day. And the crazy thing is, he keeps getting better. But part of our job is knowing when to step in and say, ‘That’s enough for today.’”

The Dodgers, known for their depth and player development system, are in a better position than most teams to support a two-way player like Ohtani. They have the resources, the medical staff, and the flexibility to give him what he needs. But even they are facing limits, and the message from Roberts is unmistakable: this kind of brilliance comes at a price.

As Ohtani continues to be one of the biggest stars in sports, the debate around his future role will only grow louder. Can he continue to pitch and hit at the same elite level for years to come? Or will the Dodgers eventually have to make a tough decision—prioritize one skill over the other, reduce his mound workload, or perhaps limit his hitting appearances around starts?

Whatever the answer may be, it’s clear that Ohtani’s journey is being closely monitored not just by fans, but by the very people entrusted with guiding his career. Dave Roberts’ remarks serve as both a tribute and a warning—a recognition of Shohei Ohtani’s singular greatness, and a sober reflection on the toll that greatness demands.

For now, the baseball world can continue to enjoy the spectacle. But behind the scenes, the Dodgers are taking every precaution to ensure that this once-in-a-century player doesn’t burn out from the very thing that made him a legend. Because as magical as it is to watch Shohei Ohtani dominate both at the plate and on the mound, even the most extraordinary talent needs protection from the demands of history.