MLB Spring Training
Shohei Ohtani hits a home run in his debut with the Dodgers in the Cactus League
In a stunning display of power, Japanese player Shohei Ohtani drove in two runs in the fifth inning with a home run to the left side of the field at Camelback Ranch.
Making his debut in a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey in the Cactus League, Ohtani took part in the game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch, stepping up to the plate twice.
The former Angels star has been on a limited schedule with the Dodgers as he is in the midst of rehabilitating from elbow surgery. Both the team’s management and Ohtani himself are hopeful he can get at least 50 at-bats during the preseason.
Ohtani’s first appearance at the plate in the Cactus League ended in a strikeout. He swung and missed at the first two pitches, managed a foul to stay alive, but was ultimately caught looking at a 100 mph fastball from pitcher Garrett Crochet.
The Japanese player’s second at-bat came in the third inning with José Ramos on third and Mookie Betts on first with no outs. Ohtani hit a grounder to second, resulting in a double play that moved Betts, but allowed Ramos to score safely at home, tying the game at 1-1.
Ohtani slams homer
His third time up was both extended and thrilling. Ohtani patiently waited with the bat on his shoulder until the count was full, then he blasted the ball out of Camelback Ranch with a hit to the left side of center field. His home run flipped the scoreboard to 4-3 in favor of the White Sox, thanks to Ramos being on base.
The Dodgers next games in the Cactus League
The Dodgers now face the Texas Rangers, on Wednesday 28, and the Cincinnati Reds, on Thursday 29 for their final games in February. Ohtani is expected to get some action as he continues to work on his rehabilitation.
What is the Cactus League
The Cactus League is the spring training league for 15 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, taking place in Arizona, allowing teams to prepare and evaluate players. The Cactus League is one of two major spring training leagues, the other being the Grapefruit League in Florida.
Teams participating in the Cactus League use various stadiums around the Phoenix metropolitan area, including cities like Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale, and others. The league got its name from the cactus plants commonly found in the desert region of Arizona.
The Cactus League offers an opportunity for fans to watch their favorite teams and players in a more intimate setting than regular season games, often with pleasant weather conditions characteristic of Arizona in late winter and early spring. As the Cactus League organizers explain, you can see 15 MLB teams all within just a 47-mile drive at most.