Manager Dave Roberts confirms that the Japanese star will play against the Angels on Friday night.

Shohei Ohtani’s vacation is about to end with his official return to a game that will mark his second season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, when on Friday night he faces his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, in his first appearance in Spring Training.

The appearance of the Japanese two-way star was confirmed on Wednesday by his manager Dave Roberts, who a few weeks ago hinted that for the time being he will only be considered as a designated hitter.

Ohtani’s return to the mound still has no date, the only clue that Roberts has revealed is that it will be “sooner rather than later”, although he has no chance of doing so on Opening Day against the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo series on March 18 and 19.

Ohtani is expected to be ready to pitch in May, although there is a remote possibility that he could be on the mound in late April.

Ohtani’s time with the Dodgers

In his first season with the Dodgers, Ohtani was unable to pitch due to surgery to repair a ligament in his throwing elbow. Then, during the World Series, in which they defeated the New York Yankees in five games, the Japanese star injured his left shoulder while sliding into second base

The offensive balance was outstanding as a hitter, with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, making him the first player in Major League history to reach the 50/50 club. His impressive performance earned him his third unanimous Most Valuable Player award.

In his career as a pitcher, Ohtani has a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA. Before his injury in August 2023, he went 10-5 with the Angels, with a 3.14 ERA.