Shohei Ohtani's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) has been cleared to start a throwing program later this week, six months after having his second elbow surgery. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Ohtani's surgery last Sept. 19, said that if Ohtani "goes along with the throwing program as we have it scheduled," he could begin throwing to hitters in late September. However, manager Dave Roberts reiterated that the team doesn't expect Ohtani to pitch until 2025. The skipper did acknowledge the possibility that the Dodgers could consider playing Ohtani in the field later this year if his arm has recovered enough. The 29-year-old Japanese superstar played a total of 8 1/3 innings in the outfield in his six seasons with the Angels (all in 2021), so it's unlikely we'll see him in the outfield much, if at all, later in 2024.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani picked up three more hits on Tuesday and continues to swing a scorching hot bat. Versus the San Francisco Giants, Ohtani went 3-for-4 with a run and two RBI. With his new team, Ohtani hasn't slowed down a bit and has 11 hits over his first 19 Cactus League at-bats. In addition to the hits, he already has driven in nine runs with two homers and a stolen base. Ohtani signed the richest contract in baseball history this offseason and his ability on offense to provide both power and speed is a big reason why. The 29-year-old can safely be taken in the first-round of upcoming drafts.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) said his right-elbow rehab as a hitter is essentially complete. Case in point: He has played in back-to-back spring training games and will be back in the Cactus League lineup on Wednesday. Ohtani had elbow surgery last year and will not be available to pitch at all in his first season with the Dodgers, but he'll operate as their primary designated hitter in the heart of a stacked lineup. In four spring training games so far with LA, the Japanese superstar has gone 5-for-10 with a homer, triple, five RBI and three runs scored, so he looks to be in midseason form. Ohtani has been the American League MVP in two of the last three years while also hitting 40 plus homers and stealing 20 bases in both those seasons. He's one of the most dangerous hitters in all of baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) will bat second in his Cactus League debut on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. Manager Dave Roberts said that would be a hint for where Ohtani bats in the regular season. He's serving as the DH behind leadoff man Mookie Betts. The 29-year-old Japanese superstar had right-elbow surgery last September and has been eased into action in his first spring training, but he's fully expected to be ready to serve as LA's full-time DH when the Dodgers kick the regular season off in late March in a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Korea. There's a chance that Ohtani's elbow could affect him early on at the plate, but it shouldn't be a reason to pass on Ohtani's explosive bat late in the first round or early in the second in upcoming fantasy drafts.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is reportedly set to make his spring training debut on Tuesday. The superstar slugger has been able to take batting practice and appears to be progressing well from his elbow surgery. The assumption is that Ohtani will be ready for full-time DH duties once the regular season begins. Sadly, Ohtani won't be able to pitch this season but smacked over 40 home runs as a two-way player last season. Possibly, Ohtani can hit 50 homers as a full-time hitter this season. Regardless, Ohtani should be a great fantasy asset as a hitter.