Ohtani's spring debut as DH set for Friday night -- vs. his former club
Sonja Chen
@sonjamchenGLENDALE, Ariz. -- The wait is nearly over to see Shohei Ohtani return to game action. Ohtani is expected to make his first appearance of Spring Training as the Dodgers' designated hitter in Friday night's game against the Angels, manager Dave Roberts said on Wednesday.
First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT at Camelback Ranch, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet LA and MLB.TV (for out-of-market viewers).
Ohtani had a storybook first season with the Dodgers, becoming the founding member of the 50-50 club, earning his third unanimous MVP Award and winning his first World Series ring. Anticipation has been high for how he might follow up that campaign, especially because he is also due to return as a pitcher in May.
Ohtani has not taken a big league mound since undergoing right elbow surgery in September 2023, and left shoulder surgery last November pushed back his offseason program as he worked to build up for a starting role this year. He isn't expected to pitch in Cactus League games, but he has prepared to be ready to DH when the Dodgers open the season against the Cubs on March 18 and 19 in the Tokyo Series.
When Ohtani sees game action for the first time this spring -- against his former team, no less -- he's expected to assume the leadoff spot once more. Roberts said he plans on running back the same top of the order (Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman) once all three are in the same lineup.
By the end of this week, all of the Dodgers' lineup regulars will have gotten their first taste of Cactus League action. Freddie Freeman's debut is set for Thursday against the Rockies at Salt River Fields, and Will Smith is also expected to get into Friday's game against the Angels.