Shohei Ohtani On His Spring Training With Dodgers: “I’m going to act like I’m a rookie”

Shohei Ohtani On His Spring Training With Dodgers: ” I’m going to act like I’m a rookie”

Training for spring has begun. Appropriately, the Los Angeles Dodgers were the first club to report to camp following their star-studded, billion-dollar summer with Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers and San Diego Padres have early reporting dates since they will open the regular season in South Korea on March 20–21. Next Thursday, the other 28 clubs will begin training.

Shohei Ohtani, who is the biggest player in the game, indicated that he will play like a rookie on Friday, his first formal day of training with the Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani addressed the media at Dodgers Spring Training today and talked about what it’s been like rehabbing from his elbow surgery!💪

🎥: @apnews pic.twitter.com/vCnzihFRrp

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 9, 2024

Ohtani has been working out at Dodger Stadium for the past month to become acquainted with the new facilities. Walker Buehler and Gavin Lux, who have been recovering all winter, have already had some time with him.

Ohtani stated that his top focus upon arriving to Camelback Ranch would be to meet and get to know everyone of the coaches and players. Pitchers and catchers reported for physicals on Thursday, marking the start of that process. It will carry on into the season and the spring.

“I’m on a brand new team, so I’m going to act like I’m a rookie and try to get along with all the guys, and get along with my teammates,” Ohtani stated.

Shohei Ohtani has arrived at Dodgers Spring Training ⚾️

(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/78qRwQDUXI

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) February 9, 2024

Ohtani also gave a favorable report on his recovery from elbow surgery. After having surgery in September to repair a torn UCL, the current American League MVP will not be making appearances on the field this season. However, the Dodgers still anticipate using him as a designated hitter in 2024.

Ohtani will bat third as the DH, manager Dave Roberts stated earlier this month at the team’s Fan Fest.

According to the 29-year-old, he is already giving every swing of the bat his all. The high-velocity throwing machine and live pitchers are the next obstacle to be overcome.

Shohei Ohtani has arrived at his first Dodgers Spring Training after signing a world-record $700 million contract.

The media scene: pic.twitter.com/2vWPpzoJpd

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 9, 2024

Earlier in the summer, Ohtani inked a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract. Significant deferrals—Ohtani will only earn $2 million year for the next ten years—cut the current worth to around $460 million. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a Japanese star, was also signed by Los Angeles to a $325 million, 12-year contract. In history, this is the biggest pitching deal.

Ohtani will also need to prepare his body physically for Seoul, South Korea’s Opening Day on March 20. He expressed his “extreme confidence” that he will be prepared to start as the team’s designated hitter against the Padres during DodgerFest. Ohtani stated that he would see live pitching at some point soon in order to advance in his hitting development.

Shohei Ohtani in his first spring training press conference with the Dodgers

©️ associated press pic.twitter.com/vgMTDayVm7

— shobae 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ 🧘‍♀️ (@shoheisaveus) February 9, 2024

“I think it’s important to get an understanding on both ends,” Ohtani said. “They need to know what I’m trying to do, and I need to know what the team’s trying to do. So right now we’re trying to get on the same page and trying to go forward.”