Shohei Ohtani’s role on the baseball field may expand beyond just being a designated hitter this season, according to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts revealed on Monday that Ohtani, who is sidelined as a pitcher this year due to his second surgery on his right elbow, will soon initiate a throwing program. This program could potentially pave the way for Ohtani to take the field as a position player during the season.
“Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter,” Roberts stated. “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 about him playing in the field. I do know he’s not going to pitch this year.”
This development signals a potential shift in Ohtani’s role, especially after signing a significant $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. However, the timing and extent of his outfield appearances remain uncertain.
Ohtani and the Dodgers are set to kick off the MLB season on Wednesday in Seoul with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres, marking the first MLB games in South Korea.
Ohtani, who recently made headlines by announcing his marriage and bringing his wife along, will face his Japanese friend Yu Darvish, who will be starting for the Padres. It will be the first time they compete against each other in a regulation game, despite being teammates on Japan’s winning squad in the World Baseball Classic last year.
“Darvish is somebody I’ve always looked up to,” Ohtani expressed. “He’s someone I really respect as a pitcher. I had a chance to work out with him this past offseason. He is a good friend of mine. I haven’t faced him up to this point, so I’m very excited to be able to face him finally.”
Darvish, with a career record of 103-85 in MLB, now has the opportunity to step into the spotlight against Ohtani. Despite being overshadowed by Ohtani’s remarkable career, this matchup presents Darvish with a chance to shine.
“Of course, we have trained together in the past, but this time I will be facing him as an opponent,” Darvish remarked. “So I will analyze him thoroughly, and I want to face him as a batter without adding too much personal feeling.”
