Will we see Shohei Ohtani in the field this season?
Shohei Ohtani, the star designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, won’t be pitching this season due to offseason elbow surgery. However, manager Dave Roberts hinted that Ohtani might see some action in the field during the regular season.
“Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter,” Roberts said in Seoul, South Korea, per the Associated Press. “Once we get back to the States, he is going to start his throwing program, which he hasn’t started yet. We’ll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not going to pitch this year.”
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Despite focusing on hitting, Ohtani has been impressive during spring training, going 11 for 22 at the plate with two home runs.
Ohtani, who signed a massive 10-year, $700 million deal this offseason, has showcased his prowess with a .500 batting average and two home runs in eight spring training appearances. While he’s known for his dual threat as a pitcher and hitter, playing in the field would be a new venture for the reigning AL MVP. Ohtani has only made seven outfield appearances over six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, all of which occurred in 2021.
The Dodgers are set to begin the regular season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, with both games starting at 6:05 a.m. ET.
