Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Could Play in Outfield This Season Despite Elbow Injury

The Japanese phenom played in the outfield just seven times over six seasons with the Angels.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani won’t be pitching this season as he recovers from offseason elbow surgery, but that doesn’t mean he won’t play defense. Manager Dave Roberts told media members Monday that there’s a possibility Ohtani could play in the field at some point during the regular season. 

“Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter,” Roberts said in Seoul, South Korea, per the Associated Press. “Once we get back to the States, he is going to start his throwing program, which he hasn’t started yet. We’ll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not going to pitch this year.”

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is 11 for 22 at the plate with two home runs during spring training this year :: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Ohtani, who signed a 10-year deal worth $700 million this offseason, has batted .500 in eight spring training appearances this year and tallied two home runs. Although his dominance on the mound and at the plate are apparent, playing in the field would be an entirely different animal for the reigning AL MVP. Ohtani made just seven appearances in the outfield over six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels—all of which came in 2021. 

The Dodgers will open the regular season Wednesday and Thursday in Seoul against the San Diego Padres in a two-game Korean series. Both games begin at 6:05 a.m. ET.