To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
AP Photo/Lee Jin-man Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, talks with James Outman during warmups before an exhibition game between Team Korea and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024.
AP
11:32 JST, March 19, 2024
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Shohei Ohtani may be more than just a designated hitter this season, after all.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Ohtani — ruled out this year as a pitcher after his second surgery on his right elbow — will soon start a throwing program that might allow him to play in the field this season.
“Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter,” Roberts said. “Once we get back to the States, he is going to start his throwing program, which he hasn’t started yet, We’ll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not going to pitch this year.”
AP Photo/Lee Jin-man Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts talks with team players during an exhibition game between Team Korea and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024.
It’s the first sign that Ohtani may do more than just DH after signing a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. Of course, when he might play in the field is unclear — or if it happens at all.
Ohtani and the Dodgers open the MLB season on Wednesday in Seoul in a two-game series against the San Diego Padres, the first MLB games in South Korea. Ohtani has been the focus of everything, including bringing his wife with him after announcing last month he had married.
Ohtani’s Japanese friend Yu Darvish will start for the Padres on Wednesday, facing Ohtani for the first time in a regulation game.
Darvish was a star for Japan’s Nippon-Ham Fighters until he left for the majors after his 2011 season. The new star who stepped in for Hokkaido — in 2013 — was none other than Ohtani.
The two have been friends and were teammates last year when Japan defeated the United States in the final of the World Baseball Classic.
But they’ve never faced each other. That ends Wednesday.
“Darvish is somebody I’ve always looked up to,” Ohtani said this week. “He’s someone I really respect as a pitcher.
“I had a chance to work out with him this past offseason,” Ohtani added. “He is a good friend of mine. I haven’t faced him up to this point, so I’m very excited to be able to face him finally.”
Darvish, who is 103-85 in MLB career, has been overshadowed by Ohtani. But then again, hasn’t everybody. But this offers him a chance to take center stage.
AP Photo/Lee Jin-man San Diego Padres’ pitcher Yu Darvish listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024.
Ohtani’s record as a pitcher in MLB is 38-19.
“Of course, we have trained together in the past, but this time I will be facing him as an opponent,” Darvish said. “So I will analyze him thoroughly, and I want to face him as a batter without adding too much personal feeling.”
