Overview
- Shohei Ohtani is recovering from shoulder surgery and a prior elbow surgery, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts projecting a pitching return in May.
- Ohtani will not pitch in the Dodgers' season-opening series in Tokyo against the Cubs on March 18-19 but is expected to play as a hitter.
- The Dodgers' offseason acquisitions, including Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, bolster their rotation as they plan for a six-man pitching staff.
- Ohtani has resumed hitting and is reportedly on schedule in his recovery, with videos showing promising progress in his swing mechanics.
- Freddie Freeman, also recovering from ankle surgery, is optimistic about being ready for the Tokyo opener but will take a cautious approach during spring training.