Shohei Ohtani’s Spring Training Debut Revealed by Dodgers Manager

The Los Angeles Dodgers are playing their first Spring Training game Thursday against the San Diego Padres, but new designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will not be making his debut yet.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Ohtani will not be playing this week, but they expect to get him in a game sometime next week, per Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation.

There will be plenty of opportunities for Ohtani to make his debut next week, with the Dodgers playing in a game every day of the week from Feb 26 through March 3. During this span, the Dodgers will take on Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, reigning champion Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.

An exact date for Ohtani’s debut will likely come closer to when he officially takes the field for the Dodgers in game action. For now, Ohtani is participating in batting practice for the Dodgers, giving fans a slight glimpse into how he’ll look for the Dodgers this season.

Even though he won’t be making an immediate debut for the Dodgers as their Spring Training begins, he is planning to see plenty of action before the season begins. Roberts noted that Ohtani wants a minimum of 50 at-bats before the regular season begins, including exhibition games and live at-bats against teammates.

This is all good progress for Ohtani as he continues to work his way back from a torn UCL that cut his 2023 season with the Los Angeles Angels short. Even better news is that Ohtani has stated he is on track to be ready for the Dodgers opening regular season game against the Padres in Seoul, Korea, on March 20.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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