The highly anticipated moment is on the horizon as Shohei Ohtani, the star slugger for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to make his Cactus League debut on Tuesday against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch.
Shohei Ohtani will make his Cactus League debut on Tuesday vs. the White Sox at Camelback Ranch.
🎟: https://t.co/b8tiTv8hbD pic.twitter.com/wG1NxStqT1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 25, 2024
This marks a significant milestone for Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking $700 million deal with the Dodgers this offseason, donning the iconic blue and white uniform in a game for the first time.
The Tuesday matchup will also be Ohtani’s first game action since undergoing his second significant right elbow surgery in September.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with Ohtani’s recent performance during live batting practice, where he faced right-hander Jesse Hahn.
“He took three at-bats, and he looked good,” Roberts remarked. “I thought today was a good day for Shohei.”
Ohtani’s transition to the Dodgers after six seasons with the Angels has drawn considerable attention, evident in the nearly tripled crowds at Camelback Ranch compared to previous years.
The upcoming Cactus League appearance is not just a stepping stone for Ohtani, it is a crucial preparation for the two-game Seoul Series against the Padres scheduled for March 20-21 in South Korea.
Ohtani, who expressed confidence in being ready for those games earlier this month, views the Cactus League debut as a significant step towards being fully prepared for the regular season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the attention Ohtani’s participation would bring to the Seoul Series but emphasized the priority of Ohtani’s health.
“Most important is his health. So if it lines up, great. And if it doesn’t, then we’ll still move on from there,” Roberts stated, highlighting the team’s commitment to ensuring Ohtani’s well-being before the start of the season.
