GLENDALE, Ariz. — The dynasty defense officially began Saturday morning at Camelback Ranch, but the headline wasn't just the Los Angeles Dodgers' quest for a third consecutive title. It was the sight of Shohei Ohtani, fully unleashed and throwing without restriction for the first time in nearly three years, declaring his intent to add the final missing piece to his trophy case: the National League Cy Young Award.
As Dodgers spring training news floods the wires, the atmosphere in Glendale is noticeably different this February. Fresh off a dramatic Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series, the Dodgers aren't just running it back; they are reloading with what might be the most talented pitching staff in baseball history. Ohtani, who served primarily as a designated hitter during the team's 2024 and 2025 championship runs while carefully rehabbing his elbow, reported to camp with a singular focus on dominating the mound in 2026.
Shohei Ohtani Pitching 2026: The Ace Returns
"I feel 100 percent. The ball is coming out of my hand the way I remember," Ohtani said through his interpreter during his opening press conference. "Winning the World Series back-to-back was special, but I want to contribute from the mound this year. My goal is to be the best pitcher in the league."
For the first time since his second elbow surgery in late 2023, Ohtani is not rehab-focused. MLB pitchers and catchers report dates usually bring optimism, but Ohtani's bullpen session on Saturday justified the hype. Scouts clocked his fastball consistently at 98-99 mph, and his sweeper showed the terrifying break that baffled hitters during his MVP campaigns. The Shohei Ohtani pitching 2026 narrative is no longer about recovery; it’s about dominance.
Dave Roberts Confirms Six-Man "Super Rotation"
Manager Dave Roberts, fresh off signing his own contract extension through 2029, confirmed rumors that the Dodgers will utilize a six-man rotation to preserve their arms for October. The depth chart reads like an All-Star team ballot.
"We have an embarrassment of riches, and it's my job to manage that," Roberts told reporters. "With Shohei fully back, plus the addition of Roki Sasaki and the return of Tyler Glasnow, we have the flexibility to give guys extra rest. Shohei is eyeing that Cy Young, and frankly, I wouldn't bet against him."
Los Angeles Dodgers 2026 Rotation Projection
- Shohei Ohtani (RHP)
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP)
- Tyler Glasnow (RHP)
- Roki Sasaki (RHP)
- Blake Snell (LHP)
- Gavin Stone (RHP)
The inclusion of Sasaki, the Japanese phenom who joined the club this offseason, creates a "three-headed monster" of Japanese aces alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto. This trio is expected to be a primary driver for MLB 2026 season storylines, particularly regarding international viewership and global merchandise sales.
Ohtani Injury Recovery Update: Unleashed for 2026
The Ohtani injury recovery update is the best news Dodgers fans could hope for. After a cautious reintegration late in the 2025 season—where he made brief, controlled starts—Ohtani has been cleared for a full workload. The training staff has removed the "governor" that limited his pitch counts last September.
"He’s stronger now than he was in 2023," said Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. "The mechanics are cleaner. He’s using his lower half more efficiently, which should protect the arm while maintaining that elite velocity. He isn't just trying to pitch; he's trying to win the pitching Triple Crown."
A New Era of Dodgers Dominance
While the Shohei Ohtani Cy Young Award chase will dominate headlines, the roster around him remains lethal. The front office didn't rest after the parade in Los Angeles. The signing of outfielder Kyle Tucker adds yet another MVP-caliber bat to a lineup that already features Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Additionally, the bullpen has been fortified with closer Edwin Diaz, giving the Dodgers a lockdown option to seal games that Ohtani starts.
As camp opens, the message from the clubhouse is clear: The last two titles were just the beginning. With a healthy Ohtani anchoring the rotation, the 2026 Dodgers aren't just chasing a three-peat; they are chasing history.
