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Shohei Ohtani to Make Dodgers Spring Training Debut vs. White Sox

The Japanese phenom is poised to make his Los Angeles Dodgers debut Tuesday in Glendale, Arizona.
Tim Capurso|
Shohei Ohtani to Make Dodgers Spring Training Debut vs. White Sox
Shohei Ohtani to Make Dodgers Spring Training Debut vs. White Sox

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Los Angeles DodgersChicago White Sox

Los Angeles Dodgers fans itching to see Shohei Ohtani play for the club in uniform for the first time won’t have to wait long, as the two-way superstar is ready for his debut.

The Dodgers announced Sunday that Ohtani, who has been slowly ramping up his activity as he continues his rehab from September elbow surgery, will make his spring training debut against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Tuesday. 

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani, who took live batting practice Sunday, “took three at-bats and looked good,” per MLB.com. 

Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract, the richest deal in North American pro sports history, with Los Angeles in December.

Although the two-time American League MVP won’t be able to pitch until 2025, he will hit in the Dodgers’ lineup this season, joining two fellow former MVP winners in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. 

Ohtani told reporters that he wants to get 50 at-bats in spring training to feel comfortable enough to play on Opening Day on March 20 in Seoul, South Korea, against the San Diego Padres. 

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Tim Capurso
TIM CAPURSO

Tim Capurso is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated, primarily covering MLB, college football and college basketball. Before joining SI in November 2023, Capurso worked at RotoBaller and ClutchPoints and is a graduate of Assumption University. When he's not working, he can be found at the gym, reading a book or enjoying a good hike. A resident of New York, Capurso openly wonders if the Giants will ever be a winning football team again.

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