Shohei Ohtani won't play in Dodgers' spring training opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers will have to wait a little longer to see their newest superstar in action, as Shohei Ohtani will miss Thursday's spring training opener against the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers back in December, was absent from live batting practice on Sunday. He is working his way back from elbow surgery, which he underwent this past September.

"He's a lot further along than I think any of us -- maybe not named Shohei -- would have expected," Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. "He's worked really hard, very diligent in his work, so he's ahead of schedule."

Due to his surgery, Ohtani will not be used as a pitcher this season.

Ohtani, 29, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Angels. He hit .304 with an American League-leading 44 home runs and 95 RBIs in 135 games in 2023. On the mound, Ohtani went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA.

In 701 career games, Ohtani has hit .274 with 171 homers and 437 RBIs while also posting a .366 on-base percentage and a .556 slugging percentage. He has made 86 starts as a pitcher, going 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA across 481 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers begin their regular season on March 20, when they open a two-game set against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea.