Dodgers Prepare Ohtani for Season Debut

Shohei Ohtani set to pitch in spring training games as he builds up for first regular season start

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:53am

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Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time in spring training on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani will also serve as the designated hitter in Friday's game against the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers plan to have Ohtani pitch in one more exhibition game before likely making his first regular-season start during the team's second series against the Cleveland Guardians.

Why it matters

Carefully managing Ohtani's workload during spring training is crucial, given his recent return from an elbow injury and his participation in the World Baseball Classic. The Dodgers appear to be prioritizing a gradual build-up to ensure he's fully prepared for the demands of a full season after helping the team win the World Series last year.

The details

Ohtani is scheduled to pitch approximately three to four innings on Wednesday, focusing on building him up for the season. The Dodgers plan to have Ohtani pitch in one more exhibition game, either March 23 or 24, against the Los Angeles Angels before his likely first regular-season start.

  • Ohtani is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday, March 22 against the San Francisco Giants.
  • Ohtani will be the designated hitter in Friday's, March 24 game against the San Diego Padres.
  • Ohtani will likely make his first regular-season start during the team's second series against the Cleveland Guardians.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way player who pitches and hits for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani helped the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title last season.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“Carefully managing Ohtani's workload during spring training is crucial, given his recent return from an elbow injury and his participation in the World Baseball Classic.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

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