Shohei Ohtani’s Impressive Start:
In a triumphant display of resilience and determination, Shohei Ohtani marked a significant milestone on his path to recovery during the Dodgers’ spring training in Glendale, Arizona. Five months after undergoing his second major reconstructive elbow surgery, Ohtani’s participation in his first live batting practice captivated the audience. It hinted at his readiness for the next month’s Opening Day in Seoul.
On Monday afternoon, Ohtani showcased his prowess by concluding the session with a towering home run, providing a glimpse of what fans can anticipate in his debut season as the designated hitter for the Los Angeles team. The $700 million man’s return to the field transformed the routine spring practice into a grand spectacle, drawing attention from players, front-office personnel, media, fans, and even his agent.
Facing pitchers for the first time this spring, Ohtani demonstrated his dedication by taking on Ryan Brasier and later swinging against Blake Treinen. Despite a minor setback, fouling a pitch off his foot, Ohtani’s third at-bat culminated in a powerful hit over the right-center field fence, leaving spectators in awe.
Manager Dave Roberts was surprised at Ohtani’s rapid progress, noting, “He’s much further along than I think any of us would’ve expected.” Roberts acknowledged Ohtani’s diligence and hard work, emphasizing that the player keeps improving daily.
While Ohtani’s power appeared unaffected in previous batting practice sessions, Monday’s live BP against an actual pitcher highlighted his remarkable strides since his elbow surgery last September. The Dodgers, recognizing Ohtani’s unique journey, have allowed him to dictate his pace, fostering trust and communication between the player and the organization.
Ohtani’s schedule adjustment on Monday reflected his readiness to face live BP for the first time. Although he declined to speak to reporters after the session, Dodgers reliever Feyereisen shared insights into the electrifying atmosphere surrounding Ohtani’s plate appearance.
As Ohtani continues his every-other-day batting practice routine and avoids feeling rushed, the Dodgers remain optimistic about his readiness for the Opening Day clash against the Padres in Korea on March 20. While he won’t play in Thursday’s Cactus League opener, Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani will determine his game-action readiness based on his experience and intuition.
In a season poised for excitement, Shohei Ohtani’s journey to reclaiming his form adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting his impactful presence on the field.
