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

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is on the scheduled to face live pitching against left-hander Alex Vesia at spring training on Friday. Manager Dave Roberts said on Thursday that Ohtani would start facing live pitching at camp "soon," and he wasn't lying. It's another encouraging sign that Ohtani will be ready for Opening Day in his first year in LA after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery last year. The Japanese superstar isn't going to pitch for the Dodgers in 2024, but he'll be their full-time DH and is considered a top-15 overall fantasy player by RotoBaller. There's a chance Ohtani might not fully be himself at the plate early on this year, but that really shouldn't influence drafters when deciding whether to add him to your team in the early rounds.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn't give an exact timeline, but he said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) will take part in live batting practice "soon." The skipper also added that it is going to be hard to eventually keep Ohtani out of Cactus League games. The 29-year-old two-way superstar isn't going to pitch in his first year with the Dodgers following his second Tommy John surgery, but he's coming along nicely as a hitter, has already been hitting on the field and should be completely ready to go as the team's regular DH once the 2024 regular season kicks off. Even though Ohtani might not be at full strength as a hitter early on, RotoBaller still has him ranked as the No. 13 overall player this spring.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow), who has been rehabbing from elbow surgery, said he's "very confident" that he'll be ready to serve as the team's DH when they open their season in South Korea on March 20 against the division-rival San Diego Padres. On Saturday, manager Dave Roberts said outfielder Mookie Betts will lead off, first baseman Freddie Freeman will hit second, and Ohtani would hit third to open the 2024 season. Ohtani, LA's $700 million free-agent pickup this winter, has been taking flips and hitting off a tee and is expected to hit on the field on Monday for the first time since undergoing surgery last year. The 29-year-old lefty slugger will start hitting off velocity shortly after he reports to sprint training next week. Ohtani's throwing program is mostly undetermined, but he said he's "right on schedule" with his hitting progression.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) said he feels like a rookie again in Dodgers camp and feels like he's healthy and ready to start spring training as a hitter after having elbow surgery last year. The 29-year-old Japanese All-Star also said he's swinging the bat at 100 percent effort. The next step for Ohtani will be to face live pitching at spring training, which will come in time. The Dodgers are going to be extremely careful with their prized free-agent acquisition this spring, but he should be fully ready to go for Opening Day in 2024 as LA's primary designated hitter. He won't pitch at all this year after having right-elbow surgery, but Ohtani's bat will be extremely valuable in all fantasy leagues in a much better lineup with the Dodgers.