Joe Campore/USA TODAY Sports
Shohei Ohtani made his long-awaited Cactus League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, giving Camelback Ranch fans plenty to cheer about.
The two-time American League MVP struck out in his first at-bat, then grounded into a double play in the third inning to drive in a run and tie the game.
Then, in the fifth inning, when the Dodgers were trailing by three runs against the Chicago White Sox, Ohtani hit a come-from-behind two-run home run, narrowing the gap to one run.
Ohtani went 1-for-3 with three RBIs in his Spring Training debut with the Dodgers. “It's definitely a big step,” he said after the match, through his translator Ippei Mizuhara. “The biggest thing was that we were able to finish the game safely.”
It was an exciting performance, but perhaps even more encouraging for the Dodgers is that Ohtani continues to feel healthy after his 2023 season was cut short due to elbow and oblique injuries.
“I definitely feel good at the plate,” Ohtani said. “I feel better every time I stand up, so I'm moving in the right direction.”
Ohtani previously estimated he would need 50 at-bats to prepare for the regular season, which could include Cactus League play, mock games, live batting practice or the Dodgers' new home at Camelback Ranch. This may include practice swings inside an indoor hitting cage. .
Ohtani claimed he will be in the Dodgers' lineup for the season opener against the San Diego Padres in South Korea.
Shohei Ohtani makes debut as No. 2 batter in Dodgers spring training
In Ohtani's first game against the Dodgers, he became the second batter in the third hole, sandwiched between leadoff batters Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Freeman has spent most of his first two seasons with the Dodgers as a No. 2 hitter, but he isn't worried about potentially being the No. 3 hitter this year.
Already subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors.
