Ohtani’s Spring Training Debut
In Glendale, Arizona, Shohei Ohtani is poised to take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, marking his inaugural spring training pitching appearance against the San Francisco Giants. Notably, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Ohtani will also be stepping up as the designated hitter in the upcoming game against the San Diego Padres on Friday, facilitating his preparation for the highly anticipated opening day on March 26.
Post-World Baseball Classic
Ohtani recently rejoined the team at Camelback Ranch following Japan’s exit from the World Baseball Classic, where the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Although he did not pitch during the tournament, Ohtani participated in bullpen sessions to maintain his form.
Manager’s Expectations
Roberts expressed his expectations regarding Ohtani’s performance, commenting, “I think three to four (innings) is fair for tomorrow.”
He added that the focus is on maximizing Ohtani’s readiness for the season while acknowledging his contributions to Team Japan. This approach assists in acclimating him to competitive play before the regular season kicks off.
Upcoming Matchups
Additionally, Roberts outlined plans for Ohtani to appear in another preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, slated for either March 23 or 24. Consequently, it is anticipated that Ohtani’s first regular-season outing will occur during the team’s second series against the Cleveland Guardians.
Last Season’s Performance
Last season, Ohtani displayed remarkable skill with a 2.87 ERA across 14 regular-season starts after recovering from an elbow injury. He also contributed to the Dodgers’ success with a 2-1 record and a 4.43 ERA in the postseason, playing a vital role in securing the team’s second consecutive World Series championship.
