Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Says He’s On Schedule To Start Opening Day

Shohei Ohtani could plausibly list several goals for his first spring training camp with the Los Angeles Dodgers: get to know his teammates, his coaches, a new organization with its own philosophy, all while balancing the demands of an international celebrity with the daily grind of camp.

More important than all of these? Be healthy enough to be in the lineup on Opening Day.

Speaking Wednesday following a live batting practice, Ohtani told reporters — including Dodgers Nation’s Noah Camras — that he is right on schedule in his recovery and should be ready to play March 20 against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea.

Ohtani reiterated that he’s looking to get 50 at-bats during the Cactus League season leading up to the Seoul Series. He said that his live at-bats against teammates at Camelback Ranch will count toward the total.

The Dodgers are scheduled to play 23 games (technically 24, including a split-squad contest) between now and their regular season opener. That should give Ohtani a chance to ease his way back into the lineup and still appear in Game 1.

The recovery path from elbow surgery for position players is not clear cut. Ohtani knows he can’t be counted on to pitch until the 2025 season. But from the outset of camp, Ohtani’s availability on Opening Day has morphed from a hope to a probability.

Wednesday marked Ohtani’s second live batting practice this week. Given his steady ramp up, and the confident tone around his recovery, Ohtani seems likely to be in a Dodgers’ lineup soon — first in spring training, then when the games count.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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