Shohei Ohtani Provides Huge Update on Health After Cactus League Debut for Dodgers
Despite undergoing offseason surgery, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani started Cactus League play right where he left off. In his spring debut, Ohtani hit a leadoff homer over the left field wall at Camelback Ranch.
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The Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 Friday night. Ohtani, who also homered in his spring training debut with the Dodgers last season, provided an important health update postgame.
“Regardless of the results,” Ohtani said, “I think the biggest takeaway was being able to go through my three at-bats without any issues.”
Following the long homer to left field, the Dodgers superstar shook his shoulder after his big swing. Ohtani explained why: “I was just checking to make sure it was OK. My last at-bat, my last swing, I was pretty late, and my shoulder felt great. So, that was a good test.”
Ohtani’s next two at-bats featured a pop out to shortstop and a strikeout, but the most important outcome in the superstar’s spring debut was a sign of good health.
“It’s a constant feedback between how I feel and how the swing actually looks,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “Today was pretty good. I felt like it was pretty consistent with what I felt. As I’m doing my rehab, I want to continue to do that.”
After being the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases last season, Ohtani shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. Ohtani is working to return to two-way status by April, but it’s evident pitching won’t prevent him from shining offensively.
Manager Dave Roberts believes Ohtani’s overall performance will be just as strong this season.
“I think he can be as productive,” Roberts said. “I don’t think he’s going to get the same number of at-bats, plate appearances, given that he’s going to be pitching. I don’t think he’s going to steal as many bases, just appreciating the fact that he does need to pitch and saving his legs.
“But as far as kind of performance per plate appearance, I still think he can be just as productive. And I’m sure Shohei is expecting the same thing.”
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Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
