Shohei Ohtani is entering spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers fully healthy, signaling the potential for his most electric two-way season yet, if the latest updates are to be believed.
After recovering from Tommy John surgery and shoulder issues over the past few years, Ohtani has arrived in camp in peak form, impressing both as a pitcher and hitter.
Speaking on “Foul Territory,” The California Post’s Jack Harris gave an update on the star’s recovery.
“He’s past the Tommy John recovery, he was past the shoulder surgery that he had last off-season, and it’s allowed him to come into camp as good of a spot this early on as the Dodgers have seen him,” Harris said.
Spring training form and workload management
Ohtani lit up the radar gun during live batting practice, reportedly reaching 98 mph, according to The Athletic‘s Fabian Ardaya. The right-hander also took live batting practice, showing no signs of limitation as he prepared for both pitching and hitting duties.
While the Dodgers are excited to see Ohtani at full strength, they are expected to be “methodical” in how they deploy him over the course of the season, per Harris of The California Post.
“You’re going to see them be still a little more methodical with how he’s used over the course of the year, given the two-way workload and the fact that they want him to be as fresh as possible come October,” Harris said.
Ohtani did not pitch during the 2024 season but returned in the second half of 2025, making 14 starts with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts. Despite the careful management, he contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series title, excelling both on the mound and at the plate.
Entering 2026, Ohtani’s role remains a central focus. Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are considering how best to use him-whether as a starter with measured innings or out of the bullpen in high-leverage situations-especially with his upcoming commitment to Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic.
Ohtani’s offseason health and sharpness have already drawn attention league-wide. With new additions like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz bolstering the roster, the Dodgers are aiming to maximize his two-way impact while maintaining a path toward October success.
For now, the message is clear: Ohtani is fully fit, ready to pitch and hit at the highest level, and the 2026 season may showcase the complete two-way dominance that fans have been waiting to see.
Read the full article here
