Published By: Sports Desk
Last Updated: February 28, 2024, 00:30 IST
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Shohei Ohtani’s residence within the Los Angeles Dodgers batting order would be the No. 2 spot a minimum of for now.
GLENDALE, Ariz.: Shohei Ohtani’s residence within the Los Angeles Dodgers batting order would be the No. 2 spot — a minimum of for now.
“Just seeing Shohei in the lineup makes us a lot better,” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated Tuesday. “There’s been a lot of anticipation, so we’re excited.”
The two-way Japanese star is predicted to get two or three plate appearances Tuesday when he makes his exhibition debut with Dodgers in opposition to the Chicago White Sox. He’s within the second spot of the lineup, sandwiched between Mookie Betts, who’s the leadoff hitter, and Freddie Freeman.
Roberts stated all three stars have been receptive to the Betts-Ohtani-Freeman lineup development. The supervisor added that having Ohtani on the No. 2 spot wasn’t “set in stone,” however it’s one thing he needs to strive for some time throughout spring coaching.
“I feel that having Shohei hitting in front of Freddie gives Shohei a lot of protection,” Roberts stated.
The might be Ohtani’s first sport motion since signing a report $700 million, 10-year contract in the course of the offseason — and since proper elbow surgical procedure in September that may hold the two-time MVP from pitching this yr. He’ll be the designated hitter, a task he’s anticipated to fill all season.
Ohtani has appeared sharp in observe this spring and took dwell batting observe on Sunday. Roberts has stated Ohtani will dictate what number of at-bats he will get Tuesday, however he anticipated him to come back up two or 3 times.
The 29-year-old Ohtani is additional alongside in his restoration than Los Angeles anticipated, and the workforce hopes he might be out there when the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres play a two-game sequence in Seoul, South Korea, on March 20 and 21 to begin the common season.
“Most importantly is his health,” Roberts advised reporters this week. “So if it lines up, great. And if it doesn’t, then we’ll still move on from there.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
