Shohei Ohtani Expected to Make Dodgers Spring Training Debut Next Week, Roberts Says

After going through his first round of live batting practice as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers this week, Shohei Ohtani is expected to play in games fairly soon.

Speaking to reporters after Friday's batting practice session, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said they expect the reigning AL MVP to play in spring games "some time" next week.

Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, announced his client underwent elbow surgery on Sept. 19. The statement also said the two-time AL MVP was expected to be fully cleared to hit by Opening Day 2024 and get back to being a two-way player in 2025.

It wasn't clear exactly what type of procedure Ohtani had. He was diagnosed with a torn UCL after being removed in the second inning of an Aug. 23 start for the Los Angeles Angels against the Cincinnati Reds.

Even though Ohtani didn't pitch again after receiving that diagnosis, he was in the lineup for 10 more games as a hitter before getting shut down.

Speaking to reporters on the first official day of Dodgers' camp on Feb. 9, Ohtani said he was swinging with almost 100 percent effort and the next step would be facing live pitching and/or velocity from a machine.

In his first live batting practice session of the year on Monday, Ohtani's swing looked pretty good.

Talking to reporters on Wednesday through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani said he would need 50 at-bats in spring training to feel comfortable when the regular season begins.

"I feel like I have more than enough time to get to 50 at-bats," Ohtani said through Mizuhara. "I can simulate it inside with the Trajekt Arc machine. I can do it in live at-bats. I'll have enough time."

Ohtani is entering his first season with the Dodgers after signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the club in December. The 29-year-old had a .274/.366/.556 slash line as a hitter and 3.01 ERA with 608 strikeouts in 481.2 innings as a pitcher in six seasons with the Angels.

The Dodgers will open the 2024 regular season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres on March 20-21 in Seoul, South Korea.