Shohei Ohtani ‘Ahead of Schedule,’ Says Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts

There was an incredible display of power at Camelback Ranch on Friday.

Shohei Ohtani launched 13 home runs during batting practice, with one nearly clearing the batter’s eye, which is about the height of three outfield walls.

Ohtani flexed and grinned on that one. There was anticipation that Ohtani would take live batting practice for the first time since undergoing surgery on Sept. 19 on his injured UCL.

Manager Dave Roberts said there is plenty of time for Ohtani to go through the different progressions of batting practice to live at-bats against a Dodger pitcher to hitting in Cactus League games.

“I think early on it was more of the thought of giving him as much latitude and eliminate the kind of pressure to be ready for Opening Day and kind of let each day just happen, and we get to a point of when he’s ready, he’s ready. But how each passing week has gone there just seems to be just really good strides.”

Dave Roberts via Dodgers Insider

Ohtani says he is trending toward being ready for Opening Day, but Roberts thinks he is further along.

“He’s a lot further along than I think any of us maybe not named Shohei would have expected. He’s worked really hard and (has been) very diligent in his work. So he’s ahead of schedule. What that means as far as when he’s going to play in a Cactus League game, I don’t know the answer. But it seems like every single day, he keeps getting better and feels really good.”

Dave Roberts via Dodgers Insider

Perhaps Ohtani will be ready to play in some Cactus League games? The Dodgers open with the San Diego Padres on Feb. 22.

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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