Although it is already more than confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch during the 2024 Major League season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently A door was opened for the Japanese star to be more than just a designated hitter in his first campaign with the ninth Angelina.
Still completing the recovery process from his operation on his right elbow at the end of last year, in principle the current winner of the American League MVP award would only be used as a designated hitter according to what the manager of the ninth Angelina team said, Dave Roberts.
However, the same Roberts left in the air a small possibility for Shohei Ohtani to have a different role in this campaign, his first with the Dodgers after signing a spectacular 10-year contract in exchange for nothing more and nothing less than $700 million dollars.
“Shohei this year is going to be mainly the designated hitter”Dave Roberts recently confirmed that he will use him in that position, occupying second place in the lineup behind Mookie Betts and ahead of Freddie Freeman, but this time he added something new.
“Once we return to the United States, its launch program will begin and we will see its progression. “If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation on the field.”the manager noted about the possibility of him playing defense at some point during the season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently in South Korea where they will play a two-match series against the San Diego Padres as part of the Opening Day of the 2024 Major League season that will take place this Wednesday and Thursday in Seoul.
Shohei Ohtani excited to face Yu Darvish
One of the duels that has attracted the most attention ahead of the Opening Day between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in South Korea is the one between the two Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani for the Angelenos and Yu Darvish for the Californian ninth.
The Japanese pitcher will be in charge of taking the mound for the Padres in the first game of the season, so he will have to face an old acquaintance whom he has not yet had the opportunity to face.
“I had the opportunity to train with him last offseason. He’s a good friend of mine, but I haven’t faced him until now, so I’m very excited to finally be able to face him.”Shohei Ohtani commented on his relationship with Yu Darvish.
“I will analyze it thoroughly and I want to face it as a hitter without adding too much personal feeling”added the new star of the Dodgers who hope to give a lot to talk about this season with their fearsome offense in which the Japanese stands out.
Keep reading:
– Bad news for the Houston Astros: Mexican pitcher José Urquidy would start the 2024 season on the injured list
– Randy Arozarena felt “at home” during the Tampa Bay Rays’ trip to the Dominican Republic
– Trevor Bauer confirmed that he will pitch for the Red Devils on Sunday in the series against the New York Yankees in Mexico City