GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his first pitching look in spring coaching on Wednesday for the Los Angeles Dodgers in opposition to the San Francisco Giants.
Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts additionally stated Tuesday that Ohtani will be the designated hitter in Friday’s recreation in opposition to the San Diego Padres, as the two-way Japanese star works to prepare for opening day on March 26.
Ohtani just lately returned to Dodgers camp at Camelback Ranch after Japan was eradicated in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. The four-time Most Valuable Player did not pitch for Japan at the WBC, however did throw off the mound in bullpen classes.
“I think three to four (innings) is fair for tomorrow,” Roberts stated. “It’s extra of simply doing what we will with what we now have left to get him prepared for the season. He did his half when he was with Team Japan and now you are placing him in in opposition to actual competitors, construct him up there, and take a look at to get as a lot buildup earlier than the season begins.”
Roberts stated the plan is for Ohtani to pitch in yet one more preseason recreation in opposition to the Los Angeles Angels on both March 23 or 24.
That means the right-hander in all probability will not make his first regular-season begin till the staff’s second collection in opposition to the Cleveland Guardians.
Ohtani had a 2.87 ERA over 14 regular-season begins final season after returning to the mound from an elbow harm. He additionally went 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in the postseason, serving to the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title.