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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani is set to make his first pitching appearance of spring training on Wednesday for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game against the San Francisco Giants.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also announced on Tuesday that Ohtani will serve as the designated hitter in Friday's game versus the San Diego Padres, as the two-way Japanese star prepares for the regular season opener on March 26.
Ohtani recently rejoined the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch after Japan was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. Although the four-time Most Valuable Player did not pitch during the WBC, he participated in bullpen sessions to stay sharp on the mound.
"I think three to four innings is fair for tomorrow," Roberts said. "It’s about doing what we can with the time left to get him ready for the season. He contributed while with Team Japan, and now we’re putting him in against real competition to build him up before the season starts."
Roberts added that Ohtani is expected to pitch in one more preseason game against the Los Angeles Angels on either March 23 or 24.
This schedule likely means Ohtani will make his first regular-season start during the Dodgers’ second series against the Cleveland Guardians.
Last season, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA over 14 regular-season starts after returning from an elbow injury. He also went 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in the postseason, playing a key role in helping the Dodgers secure their second consecutive World Series championship.
