Shohei Ohtani to Make Dodgers Spring Training Debut vs. White Sox
Los Angeles Dodgers fans itching to see Shohei Ohtani play for the club in uniform for the first time won’t have to wait long, as the two-way superstar is ready for his debut.
The Dodgers announced Sunday that Ohtani, who has been slowly ramping up his activity as he continues his rehab from September elbow surgery, will make his spring training debut against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Tuesday.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani, who took live batting practice Sunday, “took three at-bats and looked good,” per MLB.com.
Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract, the richest deal in North American pro sports history, with Los Angeles in December.
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Although the two-time American League MVP won’t be able to pitch until 2025, he will hit in the Dodgers’ lineup this season, joining two fellow former MVP winners in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Ohtani told reporters that he wants to get 50 at-bats in spring training to feel comfortable enough to play on Opening Day on March 20 in Seoul, South Korea, against the San Diego Padres.