In the vibrant atmosphere of spring training in Phoenix, the buzz surrounding Shohei Ohtani is electric. This sentiment resonated with Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing, who was quick to articulate his impressions of Ohtani’s first live pitching session of the season. “He was locating all his pitches, getting the misses that he wanted,” Rushing remarked, emphasizing the finesse Ohtani displayed on the mound. Such observations are not merely fleeting praises; they reflect a broader narrative of anticipation and excitement as Ohtani embarks on a new chapter with the Dodgers.
Having signed with the team three years ago, Ohtani now enters the 2026 season fully healthy, free from the shadows of his previous surgeries—a Tommy John procedure in late 2023 and a labrum repair in 2024. This marks a significant turning point, as he prepares to embrace his dual role as a two-way player more aggressively than ever before. With aspirations to clinch his fifth MVP award and contend for the Cy Young, an accolade yet to be won by a Japanese player, Ohtani’s ambitions are sky-high.
President of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, noted, “He seems like he’s on a mission, pitching-wise. And whenever we’ve seen him on a mission, good things happen.” This observation underscores Ohtani’s relentless pursuit of excellence, a trait that has defined his career thus far. Historically, from 2021 to 2023, Ohtani posted an impressive 2.84 ERA over three seasons with the Angels, followed by a solid 2.87 ERA in 14 outings last year as he navigated his return from surgery with the Dodgers.
Yet, the Dodgers face a critical balancing act in managing Ohtani’s workload. As Ohtani prepares to take the mound, there are lingering questions regarding how aggressively he will be utilized throughout the season. Friedman highlighted the need for caution: “We will be less deliberate than last year, but still mindful of it.” The organization is keenly aware of the necessity to preserve Ohtani’s health for both the regular season and the playoffs, aiming to ensure he remains a dominant force on the mound without jeopardizing his long-term future.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism at Ohtani’s early progress, noting that the right-hander threw 18 pitches, hitting an impressive 98 mph during his one-inning outing against hitters. “He’s certainly way ahead of where he was last year on the pitching side,” Roberts added, recognizing the strides Ohtani has made since his return.
However, the upcoming World Baseball Classic poses a challenge for Ohtani’s ramp-up schedule. While he will serve as a designated hitter for Team Japan, his absence from Cactus League games could hinder his preparation for the Dodgers. Roberts indicated that it’s “very unlikely” Ohtani will pitch in any games before leaving for the international tournament, suggesting that his first real game action on the mound may not materialize until the tail end of spring training.
Despite these hurdles, Friedman remains confident in Ohtani’s readiness for the start of the regular season, asserting, “I certainly wouldn’t bet against him.” Nonetheless, he cautioned that the Dodgers would need to remain flexible, often “reading and reacting” to Ohtani’s performance and recovery throughout the season. The unique demands placed on a player of Ohtani’s caliber require an adaptable strategy, especially as he may require longer breaks between pitching outings—potentially extending to 6-8 days.
What stands out in discussions about Ohtani is not just his physical capabilities but the quality of his pitching. Rushing noted that Ohtani’s mechanics appear “cleaner” than during his recovery last season, praising the execution of his sinker, slider, and splitter. “I think he’s moving down the mound a lot better this year than he had in the past,” Rushing stated, reflecting a sense of rejuvenation in Ohtani’s approach.
As the season unfolds, the narrative surrounding Ohtani will inevitably evolve. Rushing encapsulated the essence of Ohtani’s potential, describing him as “limitless” and acknowledging the extraordinary work ethic that sets the bar for the entire clubhouse. “He is the greatest, and he wants to be the greatest,” Rushing said, a testament to the standard Ohtani establishes through his relentless pursuit of improvement.
In conclusion, as the Dodgers navigate the complexities of integrating Ohtani into their rotation while maximizing his contributions at the plate, the overarching theme remains one of cautious optimism. With a blend of strategic planning and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ohtani is poised to redefine the limits of what a player can achieve in Major League Baseball. The coming months will determine how effectively the Dodgers can harness his multifaceted talents, but the excitement surrounding his journey is palpable as spring training progresses.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
