Dave Roberts Confirms Shohei Ohtani Won’t Play in Dodgers Spring Training Opener
Despite all the hype that has surrounded the Dodgers this offseason, fans will need to wait a little longer to see two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani take the field in a game as a member of the team. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will not be playing in the team’s opening game this coming Thursday.
“After Friday’s workout, Ohtani said he expects to take live batting practice “next week.” Roberts said Ohtani will not be in the lineup on Thursday when the Dodgers open Cactus League play “but shortly thereafter I see him playing with us.”
Roberts had previously said that it would be difficult to keep the two-way superstar out of the lineup, but the team wants to make sure he is completely back to health. Ohtani is currently rehabbing a torn UCL, and they can’t be too careful with him.
It’s unknown at this time when Ohtani will suit up, but it’s likely to happen sometime soon. Roberts also said recently that Ohtani is ahead of schedule in his recovery, so his debut should come sooner rather than later.
Fans have been waiting to see Ohtani in-game action, even if it’s within a simple Spring Training game. He has been the talk of the town since he signed with them in December, and the attention he has drawn is massive.
Ohtani is the biggest star in the game of baseball today and one of the most famous athletes worldwide. The Dodgers understand this, but they also are going to do whatever they can to protect their newest $700 million asset.
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