Shohei Ohtani’s Spring Training Progress Draws Intense Curiosity
The anticipation surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s spring training progress has reached a fever pitch. After a couple of false starts, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ prized acquisition finally took part in his first live batting practice session last Friday. The buzz surrounding Ohtani’s presence at Camelback Ranch has been building, and fans and media alike have been eagerly awaiting his on-field action following his elbow surgery that prematurely ended his 2023 season.
On Monday, the moment arrived. Ohtani stepped up to the plate against right-hander Ryan Brasier and watched five pitches without swinging. The crowd grew restless, urging Brasier to give Ohtani something to hit. Finally, on the fifth pitch against righty J.P. Feyereisen, Ohtani connected in a big way, launching a home run over the right-center-field fence. The fans erupted in applause, and Ohtani’s power was once again on full display.
While Ohtani did not speak to the media after his batting practice session, his teammate Feyereisen shared his experience facing the Japanese superstar. Feyereisen, who is also working his way back from injury, described the atmosphere when Ohtani stepped into the batter’s box as electric. Despite the attention and following that Ohtani has garnered, Feyereisen approached the matchup as just another hitter, albeit a highly talented one.
Before his live batting practice session, some of Ohtani’s new teammates had already witnessed his incredible power during winter workouts. Top prospect Dalton Rushing recalled being in awe as Ohtani consistently hit balls with exit velocities well over 100 mph off underhand tosses. Rushing described Ohtani as a “unicorn” and marveled at his raw strength.
The excitement surrounding Ohtani’s Dodgers tenure is reminiscent of when he first came to MLB, but without any of the doubts. Ohtani’s offensive abilities and reputation as one of baseball’s most fearsome hitters are now unquestioned. Even as a full-time designated hitter, Ohtani remains the sport’s greatest spectacle.
As for when fans can expect to see Ohtani in game action, it remains unclear. Manager Dave Roberts has proceeded with caution and has not promised any specific benchmarks along the way. While Ohtani won’t be playing in the Dodgers’ Cactus League opener against the San Diego Padres, it is reasonable to expect him to get some game reps before the team departs for Korea in a little over three weeks.
The timing of Ohtani’s spring debut will likely remain a mystery until it happens, but whenever and wherever it is, the baseball world will be watching eagerly. Ohtani’s progress and performance continue to captivate fans and generate intense curiosity.