Shohei Ohtani Starts Spring Training with Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani has started spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has been seen working out and throwing. People have noticed he looks bigger in his upper body. He also said he wants to win the Cy Young Award for best pitcher.
By Newsroom | Baseball, Los Angeles |

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' prominent two-way player, has begun his spring training regimen. Reports indicate he is participating in workouts and throwing bullpen sessions, fueling anticipation for the upcoming season. Ohtani's physical appearance has drawn particular attention, with observations of an increased upper torso size. He has also expressed a focus on achieving a Cy Young Award, an accolade yet to be added to his decorated career.

Context of Spring Training

The Dodgers' spring training activities commenced with Shohei Ohtani and fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto participating. Ohtani has been observed throwing bullpen sessions, and plans are in place for him to face live hitters. Yamamoto has also been active, facing batters. The team's management anticipates Ohtani will be part of the starting rotation on Opening Day, though his pitching schedule will likely differ from a traditional five-day rest period. Adjustments are expected, with potential gaps of six to eight days between starts, depending on his physical condition and the team's rotation needs.

Evidence of Ohtani's Spring Training Engagement

Visual and anecdotal evidence from recent days details Ohtani's presence and actions at the Dodgers' spring training facilities:

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Photos: Shohei Ohtani and other Dodgers stars work out at spring training - 1

  • Physical Presence: Photos circulating on social media and within news reports show Ohtani participating in workouts. His upper body size is described as noticeably larger, with some commentary suggesting he has been dedicating significant effort to strength training during the offseason.

  • Pitching Activities: Ohtani has commenced throwing bullpen sessions. These sessions are a crucial step in his preparation for the season, particularly given his role as a pitcher. He is expected to engage in live batting practice before the team's departure for Tokyo.

  • Team Focus: The Dodgers' strategic approach for the upcoming season appears to be heavily influenced by Ohtani's health and performance. His ability to contribute both as a hitter and a pitcher is considered vital to the team's objectives.

Ohtani's Physical Evolution

Reports highlight a visible change in Shohei Ohtani's physique as he reported for spring training.

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  • Observed Changes: Several accounts mention an increase in the size of his upper torso. This has led to informal observations about his dedication to physical conditioning.

  • Offseason Focus: It is suggested that Ohtani has dedicated his offseason to rest, recovery, and strength building. This period of focused preparation is seen as contributing to his current physical state.

  • Impact on Opponents: The perceived increase in his physical presence is noted as potentially daunting for opposing Major League Baseball teams, who have historically sought strategies to limit his effectiveness.

Ohtani's Award Aspirations

Beyond his physical preparation, Shohei Ohtani has expressed a specific performance goal for the upcoming season.

  • Cy Young Award Focus: Ohtani is reportedly aiming to win the Cy Young Award, an honor recognizing the best pitcher in each league. This would represent a significant addition to his already extensive list of accolades.

  • Accomplishments: Ohtani's career resume includes multiple All-Star selections, MVP awards, and championship titles, underscoring his established dominance in baseball.

  • Health as a Factor: An injury-free offseason is cited as a factor that should enable him to be a more formidable pitcher, supporting his pursuit of the Cy Young Award.

Expert Analysis on Ohtani's Readiness

The current phase of Shohei Ohtani's engagement with the Dodgers' spring training has prompted commentary regarding his readiness and potential impact.

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  • “When he’s healthy, he’s not just the best two-way player on the planet, he’s a legitimate Cy Young threat,” one observation states, emphasizing the dual nature of his contribution and his pitching prowess.

  • The team's outlook appears contingent on Ohtani's sustained health and his early-season performance, with his presence deemed “critical for the Dodgers’ repeat odds.”

Conclusion and Implications

Shohei Ohtani's participation in Dodgers spring training marks a significant point as the team prepares for the upcoming season. His engagement in pitching drills and the observed physical enhancements suggest a focused approach to his dual role. The team's strategy and aspirations appear intrinsically linked to his performance and durability, particularly with his stated objective of achieving a Cy Young Award. The upcoming weeks will provide further indications of his readiness and the extent to which he can meet these ambitious goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Shohei Ohtani doing at spring training?
He is working out and throwing. He is getting ready for the new baseball season.
Q: Do people think Ohtani looks different?
Yes, many people have said he looks bigger in his upper body. This might be from his training.
Q: What award does Ohtani want to win?
He wants to win the Cy Young Award. This award is for the best pitcher in the league.
Q: Will Ohtani pitch and hit this year?
Yes, the Dodgers expect him to do both. His pitching schedule might be different from other pitchers.