# Dodgers Warn Ohtani's Obsession Could Backfire

> Ohtani's two-way dominance risks injury as Dodgers warn his obsession with playing every game may compromise his performance.
- Title: Dodgers Warn Ohtani's Obsession Could Backfire | Shortify
- Summary: Ohtani's two-way dominance risks injury as Dodgers warn his obsession with playing every game may compromise his performance. Ohtani's desire to play every…
- Keywords: shohei ohtani, los angeles dodgers, mlb, two-way player, pitching, hitting, injury, dodgers nation, bill plaschke, tommy john surgery, sports, Dodgers
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/mlb-baseball-news-it-could-compromise-dodgers-warned-shohei-ohtanis-obsession-with-greatness-could-backfire
- Author: Srijanee Chakraborty
- Published: 2026-10-24T01:40:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: shohei ohtani, los angeles dodgers, mlb, two-way player, pitching, hitting, injury, dodgers nation, bill plaschke, tommy john surgery, sports
## Ohtani's Two-Way Challenge
Shohei Ohtani is baseball’s unicorn with two-way abilities that set him apart from other players.
## Ohtani's Obsession with Playing Every Game
Ohtani’s desire to play in every game is his Achilles heel, risking his health and performance.
## 2026 Season Compromise
Ohtani’s 2026 season was derailed by his knee discomfort as he tried to balance pitching and hitting.
## Doug McKain's Warning
Analyst Doug McKain warned the Dodgers that Ohtani’s pursuit of both hitting and pitching could compromise his performance.

> Sometimes the best thing a superstar like Shohei can do is nothing. He wants to be the best hitter; he wants to be the best pitcher. His pursuit of both? It could compromise the ability to dominate either of those
## Ohtani's 2025 Season Struggles
Ohtani struggled with knee inflammation and biceps soreness, missing games and hitting slumps in 2025.
## 2027 Plan for Ohtani
Ohtani plans to return to pitching in 2027 but Dodgers face pressure to trade him if he continues the two-way role.

> This past season offered unassailable proof that Shohei Ohtani can no longer serve as both a full-time hitter and full-time pitcher… They need to pull him off the pitching mound permanently… if he insists on continuing this detrimental charade, they need to seriously consider trading him
## Key takeaway

Ohtani's desire to play every game could backfire, risking his health and performance as Dodgers consider whether to trade him.