Dodgers looking forward to seeing Ohtani, Yamamoto in action
GLENDALE, Ariz. – On an otherwise cloudy Monday morning, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stood among the palms, grapefruit and brilliant bougainvillea and beamed.
Approaching three weeks since pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in the desert, Roberts was on the cusp of seeing the team’s high-profile additions take the field in a game for the first time.
One day after the club announced that new designated hitter Shohei Ohtani would make his Cactus League debut in a home game Tuesday, new right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto was penciled onto the schedule as the starter for Wednesday’s game against the World Series champion Texas Rangers at Surprise.
“It’s great,” Roberts said. “The guys really came into camp excited, very focused. I think the guys that are new have done a great job of assimilating and the guys that have been here have done a great job of incorporating the new players.
“To see them on the field and to play you know, Dodger baseball, it’s been fun. We play every pitch, we play hard, and that was my expectation.”
Ohtani has been putting on a show in batting practices. Yamamoto has been raising awareness in bullpen sessions with an impressive five-pitch arsenal. He had one more bullpen Monday that is expected to be his last before finally facing hitters not wearing the same uniform as his.
It was not as if Yamamoto was leaving a little extra in the tank for the Rangers. Even with a two-inning start in two days, he was the last in his bullpen group to leave the mound.
“I think the most important thing for Yoshinobu is just communicating,” said Roberts, who watched over Monday’s bullpen session. “We want him to be comfortable and thrive and so as he communicates to us, what he’s comfortable (with), what he’s used to doing that’s helpful for our staff and myself. That’s just the most important thing and he’s been great at communicating what he likes to do.”
Reluctant to confirm a schedule for either Ohtani or Yamamoto, in part to avoid raising alarms over any last-minute adjustments, Roberts continued to give himself an out if Yamamoto did not take the mound at Surprise.
“If all goes well (with Monday’s bullpen) our hope, our expectation is that he starts on Wednesday,” Roberts said.
By all accounts, the bullpen went well, with a cheer rising from the collection of coaches when Yamamo’s final pitch, a fastball, cracked into catcher Will Smith’s glove. Yamamoto and Smith met halfway between the mound and the plate to give appreciative taps on each other’s chest.
Ohtani was expected to have a short workout Monday in advance of his game debut Tuesday at Glendale against the Chicago White Sox. While it might be the first Dodgers games for both Ohtani and Yamamoto, their expected usage indicates they are not behind schedule by any means.
Yamamoto’s two innings are more in line with a pitcher’s second spring outing, while Ohtani’s plan also points to somebody further along in his preparation routine.
“Sho is excited to get out there and play some baseball,” Roberts said. “The plan is to get him two, three at-bats, whatever he feels is good enough for that day. But yeah, I think that for all of us as coaches, players, and certainly the fans, we are excited to see Shohei don that Dodger uniform.”
Despite being just five months from elbow surgery, Ohtani is not expected to have any restrictions during his hitting appearances, and potential base-running chances.
“He’s been really working on his jumps and leads from first base, so obviously that’s stealing bases, but I don’t think he’s going to run tomorrow,” Roberts said. “But there’s really no limitation for Shohei tomorrow.”
MORE PROGRESS
Ohtani and Yamamoto are not the only ones making an appearance of note this week. Gavin Lux was set to play shortstop Monday at Scottsdale against the Colorado Rockies, marking the first time he has played in the field during a game since his knee injury last spring.
“To kind of go out there stand at shortstop to come in, to do it again for five innings; that start-stop is a big deal,” Roberts said. “And so, we expect Gavin will be fine, but we’re looking forward to getting him out there at his natural position.”
Lux was set to bat fifth against the Rockies.
As the designated hitter in two games this spring, prior to Monday, Lux is 2-for-5 with a walk and two runs scored.
MORE BUEHLER WORK
Right-hander Walker Buehler, who is still on the mend from Tommy John surgery in 2022, was set for either a bullpen session Tuesday or to pitch live batting practice. The Dodgers’ schedule in the clubhouse suggested it would be live BP.
“We haven’t made that final decision,” Roberts said.
THREE-PEAT
After twice acquiring utility man Kiké Hernandez in a trade, the Dodgers added the fan favorite for a third time Monday on a one-year free-agent deal.
Valuable for his ability to play multiple positions, as well as his proficiency against left-handed pitching, Hernandez was signed after outfielder Manuel Margot was traded to the Minnesota Twins earlier Monday, according to multiple reports.
“Sources say…. I’m back!!!” Hernandez posted to X (formerly Twitter). “1st to break news @myself.”
The Dodgers first acquired Hernandez from the Miami Marlins in 2014 then brought him back last season in a deal with the Boston Red Sox. Hernandez batted .262 with five home runs and 30 RBIs in 54 games with the Dodgers last season and played all but pitcher and catcher.
For the record, “@myself” is an actual X account with 311 followers, as of Monday afternoon, but has not crafted a post.