Shohei Ohtani has rejoined the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale, Arizona, sooner than anticipated following Japan's quarterfinal elimination from the World Baseball Classic. The star will now pitch during Spring Training. Manager Dave Roberts expects him to deliver more innings early in the season.
The Dodgers welcomed back Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team's Opening Day starter, after their time with Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Japan was knocked out by Venezuela in the quarterfinals on Saturday, ending its bid to defend the 2023 title and allowing the players an earlier return to camp, which they had missed for most of Spring Training. Before leaving, Ohtani played in one spring game, going 1-for-3 with a single in the Dodgers' opener. He maintained arm activity with bullpen sessions for Japan, including four simulated innings of live batting practice last Thursday in Miami. Ohtani could pitch as early as later this week in Arizona or during the Freeway Series exhibitions against the Angels from March 22-24. The Dodgers have long planned for Ohtani to join the regular-season rotation, despite uncertainties from the Classic. Last year, he ramped up unconventionally after elbow surgery rehab. With confirmed spring mound time, expectations are higher. 'Last year, we had the plan to start from one inning... I think this year, we’re certainly north of that,' Roberts said. 'I don’t see how we won’t be able to get three or four innings from him in a Major League game.' Roberts noted disappointment over the WBC loss but emphasized focus on a Dodgers championship. 'It never feels good not to win it, the WBC... their focus is just solely the Dodgers.'
