Shohei Ohtani slated to debut in Cactus League
The Japanese superstar has recovered from his off season elbow surgery and is expected to see action in MLB’s spring training from next week.
Shohei Ohtani is inching closer to a MLB return and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has given a hint as to when we will be able to see the Japanese superstar hit in the Cactus League.
Roberts revealed after batting practice on Friday that the two-time American League MVP is expected to be ready to play next week. Ohtani needed elbow surgery last September to alleviate an injury which will keep him off the mound for at least the 2024 season. But it is hoped that the two-way star will be able to slot into the Dodgers lineup at DH.
“The plan is at some time to get him into a Cactus League game next week,” said the Dodgers manager. “He’s doing great! He’s taken his swings, taken his at-bats, he does a great job getting himself ready.”
The 2023 World Baseball Classic champion set a goal for himself of hitting 50 times during the preseason and everything indicates that he is close to achieving his goal.
Next week, the Dodgers will play every day and on Saturday they will have a doubleheader. They will face are the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Cubs, and Milwaukee Brewers.
Mookie Betts still the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter
The additions made by the Dodgers during free agency could shake up the Dodgers’ lineup ahead of Opening Day in the Seoul Series. However, Roberts is certain of who will be the first batter when they face the San Diego Padres at the Gocheok Sky Dome: Mookie Betts.
“It is a safe bet that Mookie will be the first hitter in the lineup,” Roberts said.
Last season, regardless of whether he faced left- or right-handed pitchers, Betts the Dodgers’ go-to leadoff hitter. Betts saw action in 152 games in 2023 and posted a batting average of .307 after getting 152 hits in 540 at bats, driving in 82 runs and hitting 39 dingers.