Reigning National League Most Valuable Player Shohei Ohtani picked up where he left off as he took his first Spring Training at-bat. Coincidentally, he completed a home run against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels.
Staring at full count, Ohtani sent Yusei Kikuchi’s pitch to the left field stands. It was Ohtani’s lone hit during the game, as he popped up in his next at-bat and Chase Silseth struck him out.
SHOHEI OHTANI HOMERS ON HIS FIRST AT-BAT
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 1, 2025
(via @MLB)
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The five-time All-MLB First Team member is coming off a season wherein he registered 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. He also won his first World Series title after the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees.
In addition to keeping his bat accurate, he is also working his way to pitching. While it was earlier predicted that Ohtani might be ready to pitch by Opening Day, he will be ready by May. He has thrown a bullpen session wherein he continued to work on his pitches. A UCL tear on his right elbow prevented him from pitching.
-Lance Fernandez

