A New Dawn for Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stepped up to the plate on a Friday night in spring training, facing off against the Angels. The crowd at Camelback Ranch was abuzz with anticipation, eager to see what the reigning National League MVP could do after undergoing shoulder surgery just a few months earlier. Ohtani didn’t disappoint, blasting a leadoff home run into the left-field bullpen. The moment was electric, and it was a clear indication that Ohtani was back and ready to dominate.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed his admiration for Ohtani’s performance, noting, “He does not cease to amaze. He really hasn’t missed a beat.” The home run was a significant milestone, especially given the context of Ohtani’s recent surgery. It was a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
The Road to Recovery
The 2024 season was a challenging one for Ohtani. He underwent Tommy John surgery and was limited to hitting duties. This offseason, he faced another setback when he tore his labrum during the World Series, requiring shoulder surgery. The procedure set him slightly behind schedule in his offseason training, but it was clear from the start that it wouldn’t cost him time in the regular season. The real question was how much the surgery might impact his swing.
Ohtani acknowledged the complexity of rehabbing his shoulder, noting that he still felt some discomfort. However, his first at-bat in the Cactus League provided a reassuring answer. “Obviously, there was a lot of anticipation for this night, and for him to homer his first at-bat, off Kikuchi, it’s pretty special,” Roberts said. The home run was a no-doubt shot, and Ohtani’s celebration—a familiar hand-waving gesture—was a clear sign that he felt great.
The Return of a Two-Way Phenom
The 2025 season marks Ohtani’s return to being a two-way player, a role he hasn’t embraced since 2023. The workload is grueling, and no other big-leaguer has attempted such a demanding schedule since the days of Babe Ruth. This transition comes with a series of questions, chief among them: Can Ohtani handle the physical and mental demands of pitching and hitting at the highest level?
Ohtani’s performance in spring training provides a glimmer of hope. While he may not reach the same statistical heights as last year—54 home runs and 59 steals, a historic achievement—Roberts believes Ohtani can still be highly productive on a per-plate appearance basis. “I still think he can be just as productive,” Roberts said. The manager added that Ohtani is working on refining his swing and has made significant progress since last season.
A Marquee Matchup
The spring training game against the Angels was a marquee event, drawing a packed crowd eager to see the Dodgers and Angels face off for the first time. The game featured several notable performances, including the debut of Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who had been sidelined with a bone bruise on his ankle. Angels offseason signing Yusei Kikuchi also made his Cactus League debut, preparing for his opening day start.
Despite the quality of play from both teams, nothing could match the excitement surrounding Ohtani’s return. His leadoff home run set the tone for the night, and his subsequent at-bats provided a glimpse into his ongoing recovery. While he struck out in the fifth inning, Ohtani’s shoulder felt great, and he was confident about his physical condition.
Managing the Workload
As Ohtani prepares to return to pitching, the Dodgers are mindful of the workload he will face. Roberts expects Ohtani to get more regular off-days once he starts pitching in MLB games, which may reduce his at-bats and basestealing opportunities. However, the manager remains optimistic about Ohtani’s overall performance. “There’s some subtleties [in his swing] that he’s kind of been working on from last year, when he was really good, to when he had the injury, to where he’s at right now,” Roberts said. “I think he’s in a really good spot.”
Ohtani’s night didn’t feature any more fireworks, but it was a crucial test. “Regardless of the results, the biggest takeaway was being able to go through my three at-bats without any issues physically,” he said. “I felt really good.” The Dodgers and their fans can take solace in knowing that Ohtani is on the right path to rediscovering his two-way dominance.
A Season of High Hopes
The 2025 season promises to be a defining year for Shohei Ohtani. After a series of injuries and challenges, he is back on the mound and in the batter’s box, ready to prove himself once again. While many questions remain, Ohtani’s performance in spring training has provided a promising start. His ability to hit a home run in his first at-bat is a clear indication that he is well on his way to reclaiming his status as one of the most dynamic players in baseball.
As the season progresses, the focus will be on how Ohtani manages his workload and continues to perform at a high level. The Dodgers will be counting on him to lead the team to another successful year, and Ohtani is ready for the challenge. “I’m just focused on getting ready for the regular season,” he said. “I feel great, and I’m excited to get started.” With Ohtani back in action, the stage is set for another exciting season in Los Angeles.
