Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani hit a solo dwelling run in his first spring coaching plate look on Friday evening following offseason shoulder surgical procedure.
Batting within the leadoff spot, Ohtani labored a full depend in opposition to Los Angeles Angels pitcher Yusei Kikuchi earlier than driving a fastball to the other area, simply clearing the left area wall. A packed crowd at Camelback Ranch roared in approval, and it is one other signal that the Japanese star may have one other huge season.
The 30-year-old was taking at-bats in opposition to huge league competitors for the primary time since he had surgical procedure to restore {a partially} torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He suffered the harm in Recreation 2 of the World Collection whereas sliding into second base, however nonetheless performed within the last three video games of the Fall Traditional because the Dodgers beat the Yankees in 5 video games to win a championship.
Ohtani received his third MVP final yr after batting .310 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs and 59 stolen bases, develop into the primary participant to have 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in the identical season. The 2-way star did not pitch in 2024 — his first with the Dodgers — due to an elbow harm.
Ohtani is anticipated to return to the mound this season, however supervisor Dave Roberts has mentioned that most likely will not occur till Might.
Ohtani was taking part in on Friday in opposition to his former staff, the Angels. Ohtani spent the primary six seasons of his huge league profession with the Dodgers’ crosstown rivals, profitable his first two MVP awards in 2021 and 2023.
Othani signed a $700 million, 10-year deal to hitch the Dodgers after the 2023 season.
The Dodgers have a brief spring coaching this season as they put together to play Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19, the place Ohtani hopes to play because the designated hitter.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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Shohei Ohtani
Los Angeles Dodgers
Main League Baseball
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