-
Jesse Rogers, ESPN Employees Author
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 residence 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 believed I hit it a little bit too excessive initially, however the Arizona climate factored in a little bit bit,” Ohtani stated afterward via his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. “I felt higher every time I got here up. It is trending in the precise path.”
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 study actually rapidly — he is constructed in another way,” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated. “He took some actually good swings.”
The reigning AL MVP, Ohtani was enjoying 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 sector beforehand, then snapped photos when he got here out on deck. His residence run introduced the 6,678 in attendance to their toes.
“I undoubtedly felt the power of the group and the followers,” he stated. “I actually admire it. I am actually glad I used to be capable of make it again on time and play in entrance of the followers.”
Ohtani will not pitch this season, however residence runs just like the one he hit Tuesday will definitely be sufficient leisure for the Dodgers trustworthy.
He was requested if he thinks he’ll see extra pitches within the strike zone hitting in entrance of Freeman.
“I undoubtedly assume it should assist,” Ohtani stated. “It is not simply Freddie, it is Mookie and a bunch of fine hitters behind Freddie.”
Ohtani stated he did not have any nerves in his first sport since surgical procedure or together with his new crew. He stated he’s merely targeted on preparing for the season because the Dodgers’ DH.
“Undoubtedly an enormous first step,” he stated.