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Shohei Ohtani Asked for At Bats Minimum to Ready Himself For Dodgers Season Opener

Originally posted on Los Angeles Dodgers on SI
By Matt Levine | Last updated Feb 20, 2024 5:39 PM ET

As Shohei Ohtani continues to work his way back through rehabbing a torn UCL, he should be starting to get into game action fairly soon. While Ohtani won't be playing in the Dodgers Cactus League opener later this week, he is starting to ramp things up.

The Dodgers open the season in one month against the San Diego Padres in Korea, and Ohtani is looking to make his debut during the games. However, he has asked for an at-bat minimum through Spring Training before he officially suits up in the real games.

According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani wants at least 50 at-bats throughout the spring. He wants to feel ready for the regular season opener.

Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani wants 50 at-bats this spring to feel ready for the Dodgers regular season opener.

Roberts says it’s not just being in a Cactus League game, and could also be in a simulated game on the backfields. But that’s a question for Ohtani.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) February 20, 2024

If Ohtani begins playing in games as a hitter soon, he should have no issue getting the needed at-bats in before the start of the season. The Dodgers want to make sure he is completely healthy before they throw him into the fire, so taking the necessary steps is crucial.

Ohtani hit a home run in his first batting practice the other day, showing the improvement he has made with the injury. Fans have been waiting to see him don the Dodgers jersey, and if all goes well, he will do just that when the season kicks off.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Dodgers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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