Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Will Make Spring-Training Debut on Tuesday Amid Injury Rehab

Andrew PetersFebruary 26, 2024

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will make his spring training debut on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox.

Los Angeles Dodgers @DodgersShohei Ohtani will make his Cactus League debut on Tuesday vs. the White Sox at Camelback Ranch.

🎟: https://t.co/b8tiTv8hbD pic.twitter.com/wG1NxStqT1

Ohtani, who underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in September, will be the designated hitter for Los Angeles on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona—the facility the Dodgers share with the White Sox.

The game will be Ohtani’s first appearance as a Dodger since signing a 10-year, $700 million deal in the offseason.

In his final season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023, Ohtani hit .304, notching 151 hits, 44 home runs and 95 RBI in 135 games. On the mound, he recorded a 3.14 ERA and picked up 167 strikeouts across 132 innings.

While Ohtani won’t pitch this season as he recovers from Tommy John, he’s looking to help Los Angeles with his potent offense.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts got to watch Ohtani take some swings Sunday.

“He took three at-bats, and he looked good,” Roberts told reporters. “I thought today was a good day for Shohei.”

Ohtani joined the Dodgers after a bidding war among several teams, ultimately taking the historic deal with Los Angeles. His arrival brought great anticipation from fans, and now, they will get to see the superstar playing his first spring training game for their team.