Speaking at Spring Training on Thursday, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Shohei Ohtani is close to facing live batting practice and returning to competitive games.
Ohtani’s two-way superstardom is on hold for the 2024 season while he recovers from elbow surgery that will keep him off the mound. But he’ll still be able to hit — and he does that quite well. The three-time All-Star hit .304 with 44 homers last season despite missing most of the final month of the season.
Ohtani has been taking batting practice at Camelback Ranch and Roberts said he believes the Japanese designed hitter will be able to play in some Cactus League games, which begin on 22 February. The team will open their regular season on 20 March against San Diego in South Korea.
All signs point to the Dodgers having a stellar offensive lineup. Los Angeles could start a lineup that includes fellow All-Stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Will Smith.
JP2021.COM