Shohei Ohtani's Cy Young Pursuit Draws Honest Pedro Martinez Admission

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is on a mission to become the first Japanese player to win a Cy Young Award, but he's dealing with left knee irritation that has forced him to pitch off a mound within the next few days.

What happened?

On a quest to become threepeat World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers are without one of their most formidable weapons on the mound. Shohei Ohtani, the two-time MVP, is searching to win his first Cy Young Award but is currently dealing with left knee irritation.

Why it matters for Shohei Ohtani

Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez weighed in on Ohtani's Cy Young pursuit on X, formerly Twitter. "For Ohtani, it's personal to go after a Cy Young Award, and he's in a good position to win it," Martinez stated. "But he also needs to stay healthy and get enough rest, so I think the Dodgers are pacing him."

What comes next?

The four-time MVP, including a winner of three straight, a Cy Young Award is one of the few things the Japanese superstar has yet to accomplish. Despite his pursuit, however, it's clear that Los Angeles wants to preserve Ohtani for their third straight title chase. With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Dodgers look to be in pursuit of a couple of different upgrades.

The Dodgers will look to take their time with their biggest star, as the dream of three straight world titles remains firmly in sight for the champs. Ohtani is expected to pitch off a mound within the next few days, yet there's no timetable for his return to the rotation. For now, Ohtani is strictly the Dodgers' designated hitter.

A potential trade?

Many have linked the two-time defending champions to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. If that trade does come to fruition, there's a chance that Los Angeles could keep Ohtani off the mound until he's truly ready to contribute at a Cy Young level. For now, however, the Dodgers will look to take their time with their biggest star, as the dream of three straight world titles remains firmly in sight for the champs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently the best team in the MLB, leading the NL West. They look to rebound from two straight losses to even their series against the Philadelphia Phillies. For the moment, they are without one of their most formidable weapons on the mound: Shohei Ohtani.

A healthy Ohtani is key

Ohtani's health is crucial to the Dodgers' title hopes. The team wants to preserve him for their third straight title chase. With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Dodgers look to be in pursuit of a couple of different upgrades. Many have linked the two-time defending champions to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.

If that trade does come to fruition, there's a chance that Los Angeles could keep Ohtani off the mound until he's truly ready to contribute at a Cy Young level. For now, however, the Dodgers will look to take their time with their biggest star, as the dream of three straight world titles remains firmly in sight for the champs.

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