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| Shohei Ohtani Shohei / Photo: Getty Images |
[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu] Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) — who appeared only as a hitter during the 2026 World Baseball Classic — is set to take the mound in an MLB spring training game.
MLB.com reported on March 18 (KST) that Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to start on March 19 against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.
According to the report, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani is expected to work three to four innings against San Francisco. Roberts said Ohtani will serve as the designated hitter on March 21 against the San Diego Padres and then continue building toward the regular-season opener on March 26.
Shohei Ohtani didn’t make any live appearances on the mound during the WBC, but he maintained his timing with bullpen sessions.
Roberts added that Ohtani fulfilled his role with the national team and now needs to focus on increasing his live pitch count to sharpen his mechanics and feel.
The club also said Shohei Ohtani is likely to make a second spring appearance after the San Francisco game, possibly in the series against the Los Angeles Angels on March 24 or 25.
That timeline suggests Shohei Ohtani ’s first regular-season start will probably come during one of the three games against the Cleveland Guardians rather than in the opening series.
Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound in mid-2025. He made 14 regular-season starts last year and posted a 2.87 ERA.
He also provided solid postseason work, going 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA and helping the Dodgers secure a second consecutive World Series title.
Meanwhile, San Francisco outfielder Lee Jung-hoo will get a chance to face Shohei Ohtani before the season opens.
[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu sports@stoo.com]
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