Shohei Ohtani wore Dodgers blue for the first time on Saturday afternoon during a spring game against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The two-way star went 1-for-3 with an infield single in Los Angeles’ dominant 15-2 win, giving fans their initial look at the reigning American League MVP in his new team’s uniform.
Batting as the designated hitter and leading off, Ohtani secured an infield single to open the game, then followed with a groundout and a strikeout before manager Dave Roberts decided to limit his time at the plate. After three plate appearances, the 31-year-old star left the field during a pitching change, concluding his Dodgers spring debut.
“Sometimes he takes two and he feels good, or he wants that third at-bat,” Roberts explained after the game, smiling when asked about Ohtani’s travel plans for the World Baseball Classic.
Short Spring Training Ahead of World Baseball Classic
Ohtani’s game time in the Cactus League will be brief, as he prepares to join Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic set to start March 5 in Tokyo. This limits his opportunities to train with the Dodgers before the regular season begins.
Manager Dave Roberts was vague on Ohtani’s exact departure date but confirmed the player would participate in only a few spring games.
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,
Roberts said.
Sunday is scheduled for Ohtani’s pitching session against live hitters, which marks another key step in his pre-season routine despite the shortened timeframe. Roberts expressed confidence in Ohtani’s readiness on the mound, noting the MVP’s ability to excel even with unusual preparation schedules and suggesting he enters this year’s Cy Young Award discussion.
Japanese Stars Lead Dodgers’ Title Defense Ambitions
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another prominent Japanese player, also debuted in spring training on Saturday, throwing 30 pitches over 1⅔ innings. The reigning World Series MVP allowed two runs on three hits while striking out three before completing his outing. Like Ohtani, Yamamoto will also compete for Team Japan in the Classic after one more spring start.
The Dodgers remain optimistic about their chances to secure a third consecutive championship, with both Japanese stars playing crucial roles. Ohtani’s 2025 season featured a .282 batting average with 55 home runs and 20 stolen bases, solidifying his status as a key contributor. Meanwhile, Yamamoto emerged as an ace, recording a 3-0 record with a 1.09 ERA during the World Series.
Spring Glimpses Signal an Exciting Season Ahead
Saturday’s game was only the opening chapter of what promises to be a historic campaign for the Dodgers. Fans will enjoy watching Ohtani’s early performances before he shifts his focus to international competition. As he represents both his new team and his homeland, expectations remain high for his impact throughout the season and on the world stage.
