Ohtani’s Reunion with Trout
In his first encounter with his former team, the Angels, Dodgers’ Japanese star Shohei Ohtani performed admirably, contributing to a 3-0 victory in an MLB spring training game. Originally scheduled for a day off tomorrow, Ohtani expressed his willingness to continue playing after the game, stating, “Rehabilitation is over.”
Heartfelt Moments and Adjustments
Before the game, Ohtani embraced Mike Trout, marking their first public meeting since Ohtani joined the Dodgers. He also greeted Logan O’Hoppe, Matt Thaiss, and other friends and former teammates. Ohtani shared, “I had a brief chat with many good friends.” Despite sitting in a different locker room, he felt comfortable, emphasizing that it was a normal situation. He hinted at potentially different emotions when playing at the Angels’ home stadium in the future.
Boone’s Insights on Ohtani
Aaron Boone disclosed that their conversation revolved around the usual topics like congratulating Ohtani on his recent events such as marriage and signing with a new team. Boone emphasized their friendship and former camaraderie, acknowledging the change in dynamics with Ohtani now playing for a different team.
Ohtani’s Determination for Continuous Improvement
Despite a day off planned by Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani volunteered to play tomorrow against the White Sox. This decision will mark Ohtani’s first consecutive appearances in spring training and his first starting appearance alongside Yudai Yamamoto. He declared, “I believe we can say that the batting rehabilitation has officially ended.” Ohtani emphasized the need for more plate appearances to hone his skills and timing.
High Expectations and Projections
Recent training sessions during Dodgers’ spring training have shown Ohtani’s dedication and potential for the upcoming season. His outstanding performance in preseason games, including a 3-for-3 hitting display on March 4th, has raised expectations. Japanese media observed Ohtani’s sprinting drills during training, speculating on his potential to challenge historical records in the league.
Improvements in Speed and Strategy
According to Statcast data, Ohtani’s sprint speed has seen a slight decline in recent years. However, his recent focus on base stealing during preseason games suggests a renewed intent to contribute in this aspect of the game. Achieving the milestone of “40 home runs, 40 stolen bases” in a single season, a feat only accomplished by five players in MLB history, is within reach for Ohtani. Despite the challenges, Japanese media express confidence in Ohtani’s ability to achieve this remarkable feat, provided his success rate in stealing bases improves.
Conclusion
Ohtani’s Return and Dominance: A Dual Showcase
Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani’s return to spring training has been met with anticipation and excitement. His impressive performances and renewed focus on base stealing hint at a promising season ahead, as he aims to make his mark on both the pitching mound and the base paths.(Lvbet)
