Ohtani Impresses in Spring Training Debut
PHOENIX — Shohei Ohtani mentioned on Wednesday that he didn’t particularly feel like kicking off spring training this year. But honestly, you wouldn’t guess it by how he performed on the mound.
In his first live game at Camelback Ranch, Ohtani pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Giants, fulfilling all his objectives. Before this, he had only participated in live batting practice while away with Japan for the World Baseball Classic.
The star right-hander was impressively efficient, throwing just 61 pitches to achieve his goal of four innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four. His fastball was strong, averaging 97.6 mph and peaking at an impressive 99.9 mph. Those secondary pitches—his splitter, sweeper, and curveball—were also effective, causing plenty of swings and misses from the formidable Giants lineup. Although he did walk two batters and got hit by one, there were moments he felt he could’ve done better with two strikes. Overall, though, the performance had manager Dave Roberts nodding in approval post-game.
Roberts admitted, “I’ve learned to never underestimate or try to predict what Shohei will do,” acknowledging he anticipated a rustier performance. “He’ll always deliver.”
The days leading up to Wednesday had cast some doubt on how Ohtani would adapt to his hurried pitching routine, preparing for the regular season after his stint at the WBC. Before he headed off to the Classic, Ohtani had done multiple live sessions during batting practice back at Dodgers camp. While representing Team Japan, he pitched a few innings against his teammates, gradually building his stamina through four innings.
Initially, he was expected to hold off on pitching until next week’s Exhibition Freeway Series against the Angels in Los Angeles. But after a bullpen session on Tuesday, he deemed himself ready to take the mound again just a day later.
“This is the first time he’s been in a game since the World Series,” Roberts remarked prior to the game, “so I expected a focused performance from Shohei.”
This intensity will likely define Ohtani’s entire season as he takes on the dual role full-time. Now, he shoulders a significant responsibility for a team with World Series aspirations. Unlike last season with the Angels, where he dealt with the constraints of recovery from Tommy John surgery, he is now able to perform without those limitations.
Last year, he managed to pitch only 47 regular-season innings following a second Tommy John surgery, in addition to 20 postseason innings as his team pushed for a second consecutive World Series appearance. But looking ahead, his workload appears manageable, with all his pitch types readily available. After finishing up on Wednesday, he shared optimistic thoughts about the season ahead.
Ohtani mentioned a desire to make at least 25 starts and signaled that maintaining his usual rotation schedule would allow for standard five to six days of rest. He also aims to compete for his first Cy Young Award, along with the possibility of multiple MVP races, and expressed hopes for a playoff run.
“He’s one of our best pitchers,” Roberts noted. “For him, coming back from surgery and building on last year’s groundwork makes us even stronger. I believe he expects that from himself.”
Ohtani’s next game is lined up as his second spring outing against the Angels in the Freeway Series next week. This positions him well for his regular-season pitching debut during the Dodgers’ home opener against the Guardians later this month, where he is likely to pitch at least five innings.
Early in spring, it felt a bit uncertain given Ohtani’s rapid return post-WBC. Yet, once again, he cleared up doubts and geared up for the 2026 season.
