The Los Angeles Dodgers will open up the 2024 regular season this week as they will play a quick two-game set against the San Diego Padres in the Seoul Series.
All eyes will be on the Dodgers, who made a couple of big splashes this offseason, signing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to blockbuster long-term deals.
Heading into the season, there was an expectation that Ohtani would only serve as the team’s designated hitter after undergoing a second surgery on his right elbow. However, it's a chance that we could see Ohtani playing in the field sometime during the 2024 campaign.
Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Set to Start Throwing Program
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Monday that Ohtani is set to start a throwing progression after the team returns home from Seoul, South Korea. Robertsadded that, “We’ll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we'll have that conversation in the field. I do know he's not going to pitch this year (h/t ESPN)."
Shohei Ohtani is set to start a throwing progression once the Dodgers return home, manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday morning.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic)March 18, 2024
It’ll be Ohtani’s first time throwing a baseball since undergoing his second elbow ligament reconstruction surgery on September 19.pic.twitter.com/yMs0uYTVfz
If the Dodgers can get Ohtani playing in the outfield at some point this season, it could allow Los Angeles to do different things with their lineup while getting other players off their feet and into the DH spot.
The 29-year-old superstar hasn’t played a ton in the field over his star-studded career, playing seven total games in the outfield (six in right, one in left). However, if Ohtani progresses well in his throwing program, it will help him return to the mound. The hope is that Ohtani will pitch next season, making the Dodgers’ rotation one of the best in the majors.
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