Ohtani Impresses: 11 Ks in his Last Test with Dodgers, Ready for MLB

Shohei Ohtani: Final Test Before the Season Starts with the Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers hoped Shohei Ohtani would complete six innings on Tuesday, in what would be his final preparation outing before the regular season. However, a small snag arose: he struck out too many batters. Ohtani struck out 11 batters from the Los Angeles Angels in the first four innings, which increased his pitch count despite allowing only three runners on base. By that point, Ohtani had already thrown 79 pitches, close to the limit the Dodgers had set. Then he returned for the top of the fifth inning, gave up three consecutive singles and left the game, effectively ending his spring training.

“I think it was another good outing for him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented, “and he’ll be ready to start.”

Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

Eight days ago, following his return from the World Baseball Classic, the Dodgers weren’t sure where Ohtani was in his pitching progression. He had participated in some bullpen sessions and a four-inning simulated game, acting exclusively as a hitter for Japan. However, Dodgers officials hadn’t seen him pitch in a game. Ohtani dispelled many concerns by pitching 4⅓ innings without allowing runs and reaching 99.9 mph in triple-digit heat in Arizona last Wednesday. Six days later, he demonstrated his dominance with a variety of pitches, recording five strikeouts with his fastball, two with his sweeper, one with his sinker, and three with his curveball, a pitch he used less than 10% of the time last season.

“I know it’s only his second outing, but I think he feels good,” said Dodgers catcher Will Smith. “He looked good to me as a catcher. He’s in a good spot.”

Will Smith, Dodgers catcher

Ohtani, 31, returned from a second elbow surgery to make 14 starts in the past regular season, recording an ERA of 2.87 while striking out 62 batters and issuing nine walks in 47 innings. He gradually increased his workload and was already fully prepared for October, adding another 20⅓ innings in the postseason. The expectation this year is that Ohtani will be present as a pitcher throughout the season, starting with his debut next Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians. It has been four years since Ohtani had a full season in a rotation, which is a big challenge considering his responsibilities as a hitter. Therefore, the Dodgers will use off days as much as possible to maximize Ohtani’s rest days between his starts.

“I don’t think anyone knows what that will look like, but I think it’s safe to say it won’t be a situation of throwing every six or seven days,” Roberts said. “The desire [to pitch a full season] is high. I think it’s realistic. The bigger question is: How are we going to manage that and navigate it?”

Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager