Shohei Ohtani Firing on All Cylinders at Dodgers Spring Training

The two-way star is showing no signs of injury as he prepares for the 2026 MLB season.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 10:23am

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Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star, is already throwing fireballs at spring training, hitting 98 mph during a live batting practice session. The Dodgers plan to use Ohtani on the mound again in 2026 after he helped lead the team to a second consecutive World Series title in 2025.

Why it matters

Ohtani's health and performance on the mound are crucial to the Dodgers' chances of winning a third straight championship. The team has built a powerhouse roster around the two-way phenom, and his ability to dominate on the mound will be a key factor in their success.

The details

Ohtani pitched 14 games for the Dodgers in the 2025 regular season, posting a 2.87 ERA. He did not pitch in 2024 due to injuries. The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Ohtani's spring training workload, as he is set to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic before the start of the MLB season.

  • Ohtani hit 98 mph during a live batting practice session on February 17, 2026.
  • The Dodgers' spring training games begin on Saturday, February 22, 2026, with a matchup against the Los Angeles Angels.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way star who pitches and hits for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship in 2025.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will have to make important decisions about how to utilize Ohtani on the mound in the 2026 season.

Mark Prior

The pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will work closely with Ohtani and the Japanese national team's pitching coach to coordinate his preparation for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Shohei Ohtani hit 98 mph today in live BP.”

— Fabian Ardaya, Reporter

“I don't know when he's going to leave us to join Team Japan, but there's still gonna be ample time for him to get his progression here with us. To then, I'm sure (pitching coach) Mark (Prior) will be talking to the pitching coach over there and kind of, you know, stick to our plan and we'll be in lockstep.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Ohtani's workload and progression throughout spring training, ensuring he is ready to contribute on the mound when the 2026 MLB season begins. Ohtani is expected to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic before joining the Dodgers for the start of the regular season.

The takeaway

Shohei Ohtani's dominant performance in spring training is a promising sign for the Dodgers as they aim to win a third consecutive World Series title. The team's ability to keep Ohtani healthy and effective on the mound will be crucial to their championship aspirations.