Ohtani sets preparation plan for the season

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Because Shohei Ohtani has been in the process of recovering from elbow surgery, the Dodgers have allowed the superstar to create his own preparation plan.

In order for Ohtani to feel comfortable playing on Opening Day, March 20, in Seoul, South Korea, the two-time American League MVP Award winner said he will have to complete 50 at-bats in the preseason.

On Wednesday, Ohtani participated in live batting practice for the second time this spring, another great sign that he’ll be able to headline Los Angeles’ lineup a month from now.

MV of the American League indicated that he will have to exhaust 50 at-bats in the preseason.

On Wednesday, Ohtani participated in live batting practice for the second time this spring, another great sign that he’ll be able to headline Los Angeles’ lineup a month from now.

“I feel like I have enough time to get to 50 shifts,” Ohtani said. “I can simulate them with the Trajekt Arc machine. In live practices. “I will have enough time.”

Ohtani and the Dodgers are still trying to determine when he will see action in Cactus League games or how many he will need to play. It will be unlikely for this weekend. It seems like the earliest for Ohtani to play in a game would be sometime next week. For the moment, Ohtani has participated in the live batting practice. The five at-bats he spent on the practice field will eventually count toward his goal of 50 plate appearances this spring.

“I feel like I’m on the right path, which is very good news,” Ohtani said. “And my body is reacting well so far. Then everything goes correctly.”

It is not unusual for the club to allow one of its stars to establish his own rehabilitation plan. For Los Angeles, the most important thing is to allow Ohtani to feel comfortable and reach the regular season healthy. After two weeks of training, Ohtani’s recovery continues to progress, which fills the Dodgers with optimism.

Opening Series Openers

The Dodgers begin Cactus League action on Thursday against the Padres, but are already beginning to turn their attention to the two-game Opening Series in Seoul against San Diego on March 20-21.

While the Dodgers understand there is still much to be determined until then, their current plans are to turn to their two biggest acquisitions of the offseason —Yoshinobu Yamamoto y Tyler Glasnow — to face the Friars.

“I think that makes sense,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said with a smile. “But we must remember that this is an unusual process for everyone. Like I said, these are two games that count, but they’re just two games. So the most important thing is the rest of the season and making sure these guys are ready for each of their starts.”