Shohei Ohtani Takes Live Batting Practice with Dodgers in His Latest Step Forward in Comeback from Surgery
12:02 JST, February 20, 2024
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani took live batting practice with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time this spring training as he recovers from elbow surgery.
The Dodgers posted video on social media Monday of the two-time AL MVP homering.
Ohtani signed a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers after spending his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels
The two-way player won’t be pitching this season after right elbow surgery in September, but he’s hoping to be ready for the start of the season as a hitter.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Ohtani won’t play in the Dodgers’ Cactus League opener Thursday against San Diego.
The Dodgers open the season March 20 against the Padres in Seoul, South Korea.
Ohtani, 29, batted .304 in 135 games last season and led the AL in homers (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654), OPS (1.066) and total bases (325) while winning his second MVP award.
He also was voted MVP in 2021 and finished second in 2022.
"Sports" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Ex-ace Masahiro Tanaka, Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Part Ways
-
Yomiuri Giants, Hanshin Tigers to Face Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers; MLB Opener Games Cubs-Dodgers to be held on March 18, 19
-
Kotozakura Claims 1st Career Title by Beating Hoshoryu in Kyushu Clash
-
Shohei Ohtani’s 50-50 Home Run Ball Displayed in Taipei Skyscraper; Record Setting Ball is Exhibited on 89th Floor of Taipei 101
-
Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia among 14 newcomers on baseball Hall of Fame ballot. Wagner tops holdovers
JN ACCESS RANKING
- APEC Leaders Vow to Maintain Free Trade System
- Malaysia Growing in Popularity as Destination for Studying Abroad; British-style Education Available at Low Cost
- Ministry Eyes Improving Night-School Japanese Lessons; Aim Is To Help Foreigners Complete Junior High School
- China to Test Mine for Rare Metals Off Japan Island; Japan Lagging in Technologies Needed for Extraction
- Christmas TV Movies Are in Their Taylor Swift Era, with Two Swift-inspired Films Airing This Year