The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for an incredible season, and one key player who is expected to make a significant impact is Shohei Ohtani. As he continues his recovery from elbow surgery, Ohtani expresses great confidence in his ability to serve as the Dodgers’ designated hitter when they open their season in South Korea on March 20. His manager, Dave Roberts, is equally confident and has already planned the lineup with Ohtani batting third.
The Dodgers have made significant moves in the offseason, demonstrating their commitment to be the epicenter of sports and baseball. With an impressive budget allocation of around $1.2 billion, the team has acquired top talents such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Teoscar Hernandez, and James Paxton. These acquisitions, coupled with their existing roster and a successful 100-win season, have elevated the expectations for the team and raised the bar for all involved.
Recovering from a procedure akin to his second Tommy John surgery, Ohtani has been diligently working on his hitting. He has been practicing flips and hitting off a tee, gradually building up to hitting against higher velocities. With his hitting progression on track, Ohtani feels optimistic about his readiness to play in the highly anticipated series against the division-rival San Diego Padres in South Korea. The excitement surrounding Ohtani is evident, with fans clamoring for an up-close look at his skills.
Gavin Lux, the Dodgers’ shortstop who missed the entire 2023 season due to an ACL tear, has also set his sights on being ready for the start of the season. High-leverage reliever Blake Treinen, plagued by shoulder issues limiting him to just five appearances over the past two years, expects to have a normal spring training and contribute to the team. Walker Buehler, coming off his second Tommy John surgery, will have restrictions on his innings and a delayed start to ensure his long-term durability.
With Ohtani’s pitching return slated for 2025, the Dodgers have completely revamped their rotation. Yamamoto, Glasnow, and Paxton have joined Buehler and Bobby Miller, with promising prospects Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone, and Michael Grove waiting in the wings. Furthermore, Dustin May, currently recovering from flexor tendon surgery, could become an option later in the season. Meanwhile, the Dodgers remain hopeful of re-signing the iconic Clayton Kershaw, who underwent shoulder surgery and is not expected to return until midseason at the earliest. Kershaw’s future destination is anticipated to be either with the Dodgers or his hometown Texas Rangers.
As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming season, the team’s acquisitions, along with Ohtani’s recovery progress and the potential return of Kershaw, have sparked great excitement among fans. With a star-studded lineup and a revamped pitching rotation, the Dodgers are primed to dominate the field and establish themselves as the pinnacle of sports and baseball. The stage is set for a thrilling season, and all eyes will be on the Los Angeles Dodgers as they strive for greatness.
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