First Look at Shohei Ohtani Pitching, Swinging at Dodgers Spring Training

The reigning champions of the baseball world have arrived at spring training.

Perhaps the most anticipated member of the Los Angeles Dodgers is National League MVP Shohei Ohtani as he looks to return to the pitching mound for the first time since 2023.

While still a member of the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in September 2023, leaving him on a pitching pause for the 2024 season, but with no restrictions to continue his hitting abilities as designated hitter.

Signing with L.A. ahead of the 2024 campaign, the designated hitter unlocked a new level never before seen in MLB history.

In addition to his third MVP award, Ohtani became the first ever player to hit more than 50 home runs and steal over 50 bases in the same year.

This historic regular season led to another World Series berth for Los Angeles, but during Game 2 of the Fall Classic, Ohtani suffered a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Ohtani could be seen grimacing and holding his arm for the rest of the World Series while swinging during at-bats and standing on base.

After the celebration of the franchise’s eighth World Series title, the MVP required surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. It threw another wrench into his plans of returning to his two-way form this year.

As pitchers and catchers are officially back at spring training, a familiar face was seen not just throwing the ball with visible comfort, but ferociously swinging off a tee with no problem.

The Dodgers posted a video of Ohtani on social media:

Manager Dave Roberts most recently claimed that he is eying a May return for the two-way star, but is going to see how spring training goes.

Ohtani will join a pitching room of Cy Young award winners, international phenoms, and Dodgers staples as the retooled roster looks to become baseball’s first repeat champions in a quarter-century.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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