Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers made his first appearance in what is expected to be one of only a couple of Cactus League games before departing for the World Baseball Classic with Japan. In the spring training opener against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium, he led off as designated hitter and went 1 for 3. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani's departure is imminent.
On February 22, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened their spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, facing the Anaheim Angels. Shohei Ohtani led off as the designated hitter and recorded an infield single in his first at-bat, a groundout to second in the next, and a swinging strikeout to end the Dodgers' six-run second inning, which put Los Angeles ahead 9-0. He left the game after that and exited through a gate in right field.
Manager Dave Roberts commented on Ohtani, saying, “Sometimes he takes two and he feels good or he wants that third at-bat.” Regarding Ohtani's plans to join Team Japan, Roberts added with a smile, “I know that it’s going to be soon. He’s going to play in a couple Cactus League games, but I’m not exactly sure when his plane ticket is. He hasn’t said.” Ohtani is set to pitch against live hitters on Sunday, and Roberts has noted that the 31-year-old two-way star should contend for the Cy Young Award this season.
Countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto also pitched in the game, delivering 1 2/3 innings with two runs allowed on three hits and three strikeouts. Initially planned as his only spring start before the WBC, Yamamoto announced afterward that he expects to pitch again on February 27 against the San Francisco Giants. Through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda, Yamamoto said, “I was looking for some stuff I needed to get back before I go back to Japan and join the team. I was looking forward to the feeling, the delivery and those things.”
Roberts described Yamamoto's build-up as thoughtful, given his extensive postseason workload. The 27-year-old, who signed a 12-year, $325 million contract in December 2023, went 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA in the Dodgers' seven-game World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, striking out 15 and walking two over 17 2/3 innings while allowing two runs and 10 hits. He and Randy Johnson are the only pitchers since 1969 to win three games in a single World Series. Roberts emphasized, “I think for me it’s an easy way to kind of think and wrap my head around just kind of believing in him, trusting him.”
