According to Dodgers Nation’s Noah Camras, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts disclosed that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani needs to log at least 50 at-bats throughout Spring Training in order to be ready for the season’s first game.

Ohtani has determined that in order to feel prepared for the Dodgers season opener, he would require a minimum of 50 at-bats, even though Spring Training games are quickly approaching.

Even though Ohtani won’t be participating in the Dodgers’ inaugural Cactus League game against the Padres on Thursday, he will still have plenty of chances to receive at-bats throughout the course of the following month.

In his recovery following surgery to repair a UCL tear he sustained in 2023 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani is already “ahead of schedule.” Ohtani’s work ethic has him in a solid position going into the Cactus League, despite the fact that the operation has prevented him from batting against live pitching as soon as he would in a typical summer. Only in his third Dodgers batting practice, Ohtani blasted five home runs in five swings.

If the Dodgers can anticipate anything from their batting practice results, they’re going to have a fantastic 2024 season. That being said, this is not surprising. After just six MLB seasons, the Dodgers’ highly sought-after $700 million free agent deal is already among the top hitters. Ohtani has often demonstrated his exceptional ability at the plate. He is the AL home run leader, the winner of the 2023 Hank Aaron Award, and the three-time Edgar Martínez Award winner as baseball’s top designated hitter.