Shohei Ohtani launches first homer in Dodgers spring debut

GLENDALE, Ariz. — It was removed from a sellout crowd, however those that attended Shohei Ohtani’s spring debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday have been rewarded in his remaining at-bat as Ohtani launched a two-run house run into the left-field stands, incomes the loudest cheers of the day.

Ohtani’s blast got here within the backside of the fifth on a 3-2 pitch from Chicago White Sox right-hander Dominic Leone. He completed 1-for-3, hanging out and grounding right into a double play in his two different at-bats.

“I assumed I hit it just a little too excessive initially, however the Arizona climate factored in just a little bit,” Ohtani stated afterward by means of his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. “I felt higher every time I got here up. It is trending in the suitable route.”

Batting second within the Dodgers’ order behind Mookie Betts and forward of Freddie Freeman, Ohtani struck out trying in opposition to lefty Garrett Crochet in his first at-bat, then hit a tough double-play ball to second base within the third inning earlier than going deep within the fifth.

“With Shohei — I am beginning to be taught actually shortly — he is constructed in another way,” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated. “He took some actually good swings.”

The reigning AL MVP, Ohtani was taking part in his first sport since present process proper elbow surgical procedure final September and his first since signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December.

Followers lined up alongside the third-base line as he walked towards the sphere beforehand, then snapped photos when he got here out on deck. His house run introduced the 6,678 in attendance to their ft.

“I positively felt the power of the gang and the followers,” he stated. “I actually admire it. I am actually blissful I used to be in a position to make it again on time and play in entrance of the followers.”

Ohtani will not pitch this season, however house runs just like the one he hit Tuesday will definitely be sufficient leisure for the Dodgers devoted.

He was requested if he thinks he’ll see extra pitches within the strike zone hitting in entrance of Freeman.

“I positively assume it should assist,” Ohtani stated. “It isn’t simply Freddie, it is Mookie and a bunch of excellent hitters behind Freddie.”

Ohtani stated he did not have any nerves in his first sport since surgical procedure or along with his new workforce. He stated he’s merely centered on preparing for the season because the Dodgers’ DH.

“Positively a giant first step,” he stated.