Shohei Ohtani finally got to see a live batting practice session during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring training preparations at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, after waiting for weeks.
Experts have expressed some concern over Ohtani’s postponed BP plan, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has said that Ohtani sets up his own dates.
Roberts of Ohtani deciding on his own schedule: “He’s in good health. We’re merely providing him with the option; if he wants to work in the cage and not go outside for live batting practice, that’s also acceptable. However, everything is great with his health.” – through Bill Plinkett on X, the former name for Twitter.
Every Dodgers fan since Ohtani’s $700 million agreement became official has been waiting to see his home runs.
They weren’t let down by the Japanese baseball unicorn, as Ohtani hit a home run in his very first batting practice.
One of the fans said, “That swing is a thing of beauty.”
Shohei Ohtani tested his swings on Monday against Blake Treinen, J.P. Feyereisen, and Ryan Brasier, according to Dodgers Nation. In his second at-bat, Ohtani tracked the Brasier pitches and swung at Treinen, but he was struck out.
But in his third at-bat against Feyereisen, Ohtani hit his first home run in live BP, which was expertly documented by LA Times’ Jack Harris.
When will the Dodgers see Shohei Ohtani make his debut?
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani agreed to a 10-year, $700 million contract, which is the most expensive in Major League Baseball history.
Ohtani has already received three invitations to the All-Star game and has won two American League MVP awards. With the Dodgers, this will be his first-ever National League appearance.
Ohtani faced live pitches for the first time after surgery in September. He will only concentrate on the DH position and won’t take the mound until 2025.
Ohtani is supposedly well enough to play, but he won’t be present for the Dodgers’ opening Spring Training game on Thursday, February 22, against the San Diego Padres, according to Dodgers Nation.
The Dodgers management has not yet provided any more information.