03/17/26 06:10:00
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03/17 18:08 CDT Shohei Ohtani will return to mound for Dodgers in spring
training game Wednesday against Giants
Shohei Ohtani will return to mound for Dodgers in spring training game
Wednesday against Giants
By DAVID BRANDT
AP Baseball Writer
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) --- Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his first pitching
appearance in spring training on Wednesday for the Los Angeles Dodgers against
the San Francisco Giants.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also said Tuesday that Ohtani will be the
designated hitter in Friday's game against the San Diego Padres, as the two-way
Japanese star works to get ready for opening day on March 26.
Ohtani recently returned to Dodgers camp at Camelback Ranch after Japan was
eliminated in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. The four-time
Most Valuable Player didn't pitch for Japan at the WBC, but did throw off the
mound in bullpen sessions.
"I think three to four (innings) is fair for tomorrow," Roberts said. "It's
more of just doing what we can with what we have left to get him ready for the
season. He did his part when he was with Team Japan and now you're putting him
in against real competition, build him up there, and try to get as much buildup
before the season starts."
Roberts said the plan is for Ohtani to pitch in one more preseason game against
the Los Angeles Angels on either March 23 or 24.
That means the right-hander probably won't make his first regular-season start
until the team's second series against the Cleveland Guardians.
Ohtani had a 2.87 ERA over 14 regular-season starts last season after returning
to the mound from an elbow injury. He also went 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA in the
postseason, helping the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb
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