Shohei Ohtani Will Be Limited Early in Spring Training Due to Surgery Rehab

Will Shohei Ohtani be ready by Opening Day?

With Shohei Ohtani joining the Los Angeles Dodgers after offseason surgery on his pitching arm, the Dodgers' front office confirmed on Saturday that he will be limited early in Spring Training.

General manager Brandon Gomes expects the superstar two-way player to be hampered a little at the start.

“Probably a little bit at the beginning.”

Ohtani will likely begin the season as the team's designated hitter. It hasn't been determined if he will play in the outfield at all. 

Since undergoing an elbow procedure in September, and has not resumed throwing. The Japanese sensation isn't expected to pitch again until 2025.

Gomes added that Ohtani is feeling good overall and that the team is not focused on getting him back in pitching shape.

“We haven’t totally sat down and mapped that out yet. We’re going to be focused on the hitting portion of it.”

He is expected to be in the Opening Day lineup without restrictions as a hitter.