During his first batting practice in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform on Wednesday during spring training, Shohei Ohtani made an outstanding impression. аt tҺe ԀоԀgers’ prаctice fаcility in GlenԀаle, аrizоnа, оҺtаni tооk 29 swings аnԀ Һit 10 оver tҺe fence, incluԀing five in а rоw, wҺile YоsҺinоbu Yаmаmоtо, аnоtҺer оffseаsоn аԀԀitiоn, wаtcҺeԀ оn.

This was only his second on-field batting practice since having surgery in September, but it was an impressive performance.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts likened Ohtani to former colleague and seven-time National League MVP Barry Bonds in an interview with broadcaster SportsNet LA.

“I think as far as the talent, Barry was the most talented player I’ve ever played with, and Shohei probably has a chance to be the most talented player to ever play the game of baseball,” Roberts stated. Yamamoto completed a bullpen session earlier in the day, throwing 44 pitches and showcasing a variety of weapons. Roberts also showered Yamamato with admiration. After spending several seasons as the best pitcher in Japanese baseball with the Orix Buffaloes, Yamamato is about to make his much awaited major league debut in the United States.

Roberts described him as “very intelligent and methodical.” “Enjoys having fun.” However, it’s encouraging to see that he faces off against an extremely fierce opponent when he takes the mound.” On Wednesday, a number of other Japanese athletes participated in spring training, among them was Shota Imanaga, a left-hander for the Chicago Cubs, who is another highly anticipated newcomer. Imanaga used a 31-pitch bullpen to mix up his pitches, including sliders, changeups, and curveballs, while a horde of reporters watched intently. The 30-year-old claimed to be at ease in his new environment with colleagues, including fellow national Seiya Suzuki. “I had some concerns before leaving Japan about the different way of life, the other country, the different environment, and other things of that nature. However, everyone has been so welcoming and polite to me since I arrived that I’ve even forgotten my concerns,” Imanaga remarked.