Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is set to make his 2025 spring training debut against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night, according to manager Dave Roberts. This marks a significant moment for Ohtani, who has been recovering from previous injuries.
At 30 years old, Ohtani will take on the role of designated hitter for this game. While Roberts expressed optimism regarding Ohtani’s return to pitching, he has yet to provide a specific timeline. Notably, Ohtani has been ruled out for the Dodgers’ opening series in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs, scheduled for March 18-19.
The talented player sustained a left shoulder injury while sliding into second base during the World Series, where the Dodgers triumphed over the New York Yankees in five games. Last season, his inaugural year with the Dodgers, Ohtani did not pitch as he was recuperating from elbow ligament surgery.
In a remarkable feat, he exclusively played as a batter last season, hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases, making him the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve the 50/50 milestone. This impressive performance earned him his third unanimous MVP award.
As a pitcher, Ohtani boasts a record of 38-19 with an impressive 3.01 ERA. In 2023, he had a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA before his injury in August. His return to the field is highly anticipated, as fans and teammates alike look forward to seeing his dual-threat capabilities once again.
