Ohtani Set to Face Former Team in Spring Training Debut
Feb 26, 2025, 02:57 PM ET
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The buzz around the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring training camp is palpable, and for good reason. The baseball world is eagerly anticipating the return of Shohei Ohtani, the three-time MVP who has been a game-changer on both sides of the ball. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Ohtani will make his first spring training appearance of the year this Friday night. And in a twist of fate, he’ll be facing none other than his former team, the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani, now 30, will be stepping into the role of designated hitter for this game. While fans are excited to see him back in action, Roberts has been cautious about setting expectations for Ohtani’s return to pitching. “Sooner than later,” is the hopeful timeline Roberts has given, but he has already ruled Ohtani out for the March 18-19 season-opening series in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs.
For those who might have missed it, Ohtani’s journey back to the field has been a challenging one. He injured his left shoulder while sliding into second base during the World Series, a series that saw the Dodgers triumph over the New York Yankees in five games. This injury came on the heels of a surgery to repair a ligament in his throwing elbow, which kept him off the mound for the entirety of last season, his first with the Dodgers.
Despite these setbacks, Ohtani’s performance as a batter was nothing short of spectacular. He made history by becoming the first person in the major league 50/50 club, hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. This incredible feat earned him his third unanimous MVP award, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic players in the game.
As a pitcher, Ohtani boasts a career record of 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA. His last full season on the mound in 2023 saw him achieve a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA before his unfortunate injury in August. These numbers speak volumes about his dual-threat capability, and fans are eager to see him return to form.
- Ohtani’s first spring training game: Friday night against the Angels
- Role: Designated hitter
- Injury: Left shoulder, surgery on throwing elbow
- 2024 Season: 54 home runs, 59 stolen bases
- Career pitching stats: 38-19 record, 3.01 ERA
As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming season, the anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s return is a testament to his impact on the game. His ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter is a rare talent, and his presence on the field is sure to be a major boost for the Dodgers. While the timeline for his return to pitching remains uncertain, fans can take solace in the fact that Ohtani is back in the lineup and ready to make his mark once again.
So, mark your calendars for Friday night. Whether you’re a Dodgers fan, an Angels fan, or just a fan of baseball, this is a game you won’t want to miss. Shohei Ohtani is back, and the baseball world is ready to watch him shine.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
