Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Eyeing 50 Spring Training At-Bats Amid Elbow Injury Rehab

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a shorter Spring Training than most teams in Major League Baseball since they are opening their 2024 campaign against the San Diego Padres in South Korea on March 20, but Shohei Ohtani still believes he can accomplish his injury rehab goal.

"I feel like I have more than enough time to get 50 at-bats," he said through an interpreter, per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also said Ohtani's goal is to take 50 at-bats during the spring as he returns from elbow surgery.

That might not mean 50 at bats during Cactus League games, as Gonzalez explained live-batting practice sessions and indoor sessions of a pitching machine can count toward that total.

Ohtani is not expected to take the field for the Dodgers' games this week but does plan on playing at some point during the Cactus League. He also said the most important thing is that his body and elbow are "feeling good" and "reacting the right way."

He also said he is "right on schedule" to play in the season opener.

That is welcome news for the Dodgers, as the addition of Ohtani this offseason is a major reason they have championship expectations coming into the new season. While he will not pitch in 2024 because of elbow rehab, he is still arguably the best hitter in baseball and can anchor their lineup.

The two-time American League MVP and three-time All-Star slashed .304/.412/.654 with a league-best 44 home runs, 95 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 135 games for the Los Angeles Angels during the 2023 season.

It isn't a stretch to suggest those numbers might be even better in 2024 since he will not be focused on pitching as well and will be part of a deeper lineup that also features Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and others.

That could lead to more RBI opportunities and more pitchers throwing him hittable pitches because of all the protection surrounding him in the order.

Everything seems to be trending toward Ohtani playing in the opener, and that starts with getting enough at-bats during the spring.