2024-02-28 01:07:30
GLENDALE, Ariz. – It didn’t feel like any other day of spring training. There were cameras around every corner, a larger-than-usual media contingent, and a palpable buzz inside the clubhouse and around Camelback Ranch.
With each release, the crowd’s anticipation continued to grow. It was the first time they had a chance to see Shohei Ohtani, who signed a record 10-year, $700 million deal this winter, in a Dodgers uniform.
Ohtani made sure it was worth the wait, as the two-time unanimous American League MVP hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning of his first Cactus League game in 2024, a 9-6 victory against the White Sox.
“It was definitely a great first step,” Ohtani said through his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “The most important thing for me was that I was able to finish the game without any problems.”
Ohtani was slotted second in the Dodgers’ lineup, which is where he will hit this season. In his first at-bat since he underwent a second surgery on his right elbow last September, Ohtani swung at the second pitch he saw, a Garrett Crochet fastball, and his helmet fell off in the attempt.
After fouling out on the next pitch, Ohtani ended up striking out without hitting a 100 mph fastball.
In his second at-bat, Ohtani came out swinging against right-hander Justin Anderson. Unfortunately for him and the Dodgers, however, he hit a grounder to second baseman Nicky López, who started a 4-6-3 double play.
Finally, in his last visit to the plate, Ohtani offered his show to the fans. Facing Dominic Leone, he once again attacked the first delivery, fouling it out. He then saw a couple of pitches go by to take a 2-1 lead. Ohtani swung big against the fourth pitch of the inning, but fanned only the breeze. Two pitches later, he hit a high homer from the opposite wing, unleashing a great uproar among those present.
“I definitely feel good at the plate and I felt better every time I stepped up to bat, so we’re going in the right direction,” Ohtani added. “I thought I hit the ball too high at first. “Maybe it was the Arizona factor that played a role.”
Over the past three weeks, Ohtani has given the Dodgers plenty of optimism that he will be the team’s designated hitter when they travel to Seoul, South Korea, to open the season with a two-game series against the Padres on March 20. .
In his first batting practice on the field this spring, Ohtani hit 10 home runs in 21 swings. He then went on to hit 10 more home runs in 29 swings in his second practice session. In his first live batting practice session, Ohtani once again impressed the crowd with a homer off Dodgers right-hander JP Feyereisen.
Tuesday also served to give the Dodgers a glimpse of the anticipation and attention that will follow them throughout the season. It didn’t seem to affect Ohtani, however, as he continued doing what he does best on the field.
“His first game for the Dodgers playing another team and he hits a home run,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I just have a feeling there are more to come.”
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