Shohei Ohtani's Recent Progress Suggests Opening Day Debut is Possible

The designated hitter said he's "very confident" he'll be in the lineup March 20 in South Korea

The 2024 season is quickly approaching, and before we know it, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be on the diamond again to take on the San Diego Padres to kick off their season. 

The game won't be at Dodger Stadium or Petco Park. The Dodgers will take on the Padres for a two-game mini-series in Seoul, the first time Major League Baseball has visited the South Korean capital for regular season games. 

The series will be a great way to kick off the new season before a new audience. Will the Dodgers be able to showcase their new superstar, Shohei Ohtani? 

Ohtani spoke to reporters at Saturday's annual DodgerFest and said he's very confident he will be in the lineup come March 20. 

Shohei Ohtani said he has been hitting “flips” and off tee. Expects to start hitting off pitching machine when #Dodgers get to spring training. “Very confident” he’ll be ready for opener in Korea

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 3, 2024

Ohtani won't pitch at all in the 2024 season, barring some miracle. He suffered a UCL injury for the second time in five years in 2023, ending his pitching season. 

Although he won't pitch in 2024, he is already focused on hitting. The recent reports out of Camelback Ranch suggest Ohtani's rehab is moving forward.

Shohei Ohtani came to AZ after #Dodgers FanFest Sunday and has already been working out at Camelback Ranch the past few days. Taking batting practice off machine. That’s a step forward in his recovery from elbow surgery

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 7, 2024

Even while anchoring the Angels' starting rotation, Ohtani was able to establish himself among the game's premier hitters. He sports a career .274 batting average and a .922 OPS with 171 home runs and 437 RBIs. 

Among designated hitters, Ohtani's consistency is second to none. The Dodgers will need a lot of it throughout the regular season, especially in the postseason. 

First comes February, then March, and before long Ohtani will be wearing Dodger Blue in a game that counts.