Dodgers Manager Believes Ohtani Ahead of Schedule

Shohei Ohtani's spring training performance has Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts impressed.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:22am by Ben Kaplan

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expected some rust from Shohei Ohtani this spring, but the two-way star has instead looked sharp and in command on the mound. Ohtani threw five scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants, impressing Roberts with his fastball command and breaking ball. Despite the strong outing, Ohtani was still critical of his own performance, saying he needs to finish off hitters better. Roberts said he no longer underestimates what Ohtani can do, and the Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with the pitcher's build-up to the regular season.

Why it matters

Ohtani's early spring success is a positive sign for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are hoping the two-way star can anchor their pitching staff this season. Ohtani's ability to dominate hitters even when he is not fully locked in is a testament to his elite talent, and it suggests the Dodgers may not need to take an overly cautious approach with his workload this spring.

The details

In a game against the San Francisco Giants, Ohtani threw five scoreless innings, giving up just one hit. Roberts noted that Ohtani's breaking ball was sharp and his fastball command was strong, things the Dodgers manager did not expect to see this early in spring training. Despite the impressive outing, Ohtani was still critical of his own performance, saying he needs to do a better job of finishing off hitters. The Dodgers are taking a measured approach with Ohtani's build-up, knowing they have a deep pitching staff and lineup that can afford to bring the two-way star along slowly.

  • Ohtani threw five scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants earlier this week.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani

The two-way star pitcher and hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he would be a little more rusty... the breaking ball was good... the fastball command... working ahead in the count.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

“You don't ever underestimate what Shohei's going to do. He's always going to deliver.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

“I did not finish off hitters and I need to be better. I did not throw the pitches I wanted at the right times.”

— Shohei Ohtani

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Ohtani's progress this spring as they prepare him for the start of the regular season.

The takeaway

Shohei Ohtani's dominant spring training performance, even when he is not fully locked in, is a testament to his elite talent and suggests the Dodgers may not need to take an overly cautious approach with his workload this season.