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Since his debut in 2018, Shohei Ohtani has posted an impressive 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts. Among starters with a minimum of 400 innings pitched during that time, only five have a lower ERA, and just six have a higher strikeout rate. Ohtani has undoubtedly been a phenomenal pitcher when healthy, but injuries have limited the two-way superstar to only 86 starts in seven MLB seasons. He has not pitched in a major league game since August 2023. Despite this, Ohtani's performance as a hitter remained exceptional, earning him his third MVP award in 2024 without pitching a single inning. As fans eagerlyawait his return to the mound in 2025, it appears the wait may be longer than initially anticipated.
Ohtani is currently recovering from UCL surgery performed in September 2023, as well as surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in November. In February, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted that Ohtani could start facing live batters ahead of the Tokyo Series and potentially rejoin the rotation by May. However, Roberts recently indicated a more cautious approach. "George Kirby has not been feeling great after his outings," Roberts stated, emphasizing that the team aims to ensure Ohtani's long-term health and success. The Dodgers are prioritizing a careful and gradual rehabilitation process, understanding the importance of having Ohtani fully prepared for his highly anticipated return to the mound. The team's decision to "slow-play" Ohtani's rehab reflects their commitment to his overall well-being and performance. By managing his recovery meticulously, the Dodgers hope to prevent any setbacks and maximize his impact in the long run. As the 2025 season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing Ohtani back on the mound, knowing that the team is taking all necessary precautions to support his return. The anticipation continues to build as Ohtani works towards reclaiming his place as one of the most dynamic and talented players in baseball.
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Sources have confirmed to ESPN that the Los Angeles Dodgers and manager Dave Roberts are close to finalizing a long-term extension. The talks, which began around the start of February, have had their ups and downs, but both parties are expected to reach an agreement before the Dodgers head to Japan for their season opener next Wednesday. Roberts, who is entering his 10th season with the Dodgers and the final year of his current contract, has been instrumental in the team's success, leading them to two World Series championships in the past five years.
The new deal for Roberts is anticipated to surpass the largest contract among managers, currently held by Craig Counsell, who signed a five-year, $40 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in November 2023. While the exact terms of Roberts' extension are not yet known, it is widely expected to exceed Counsell's contract in total value or average annual value. This extension would solidify Roberts' position with the Dodgers, allowing him to continue building on the team's recent successes and guiding them in the seasons to come. On March 6, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers continued their strong spring training run, defeating the Texas Rangers 8-4 at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona. The Dodgers’ offense erupted for three home runs, while their pitching staff, led by Dustin May, held firm to secure the victory in this Cactus League matchup.
The game kicked off with an early spark from Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who batted leadoff as the designated hitter. In the first inning, Ohtani laced a double off Rangers starter David Buchanan and came around to score the game’s opening run on a subsequent Texas error, giving Los Angeles a 1-0 lead. Ohtani’s hit set the tone for a potent offensive day, though he finished 1-for-3 as the Rangers tightened up against him later. Texas responded in the bottom of the first, taking a 2-1 lead against May. The Rangers capitalized on a pair of hits, including a two-run single, to jump ahead. May, making his second start of the spring as he works back from injury, settled in after the shaky start. He tossed three innings, allowing two runs on one hit with two walks and three strikeouts, earning the win and showing encouraging signs of progress. The Dodgers’ bats took over in the third, reclaiming the lead with a power display. Will Smith crushed his first home run of the spring off Buchanan, a solo shot that tied the game at 2-2. Later in the inning, Tommy Edman, acquired by the Dodgers in a midseason trade last year, launched his second homer of the spring, a two-run blast that put Los Angeles ahead 4-2. Edman’s hot spring continued, reinforcing his versatility and value to the lineup. Texas fought back in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 4-3 with an unearned run off May, aided by a Dodgers error. However, Los Angeles pulled away in the fifth against Rangers reliever Cole Hoyer. Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ All-Star first baseman, hammered a solo home run—his third of the spring—extending the lead to 5-3. Freeman’s blast underscored his locked-in approach early in the preseason. The Dodgers added breathing room in the seventh. Nabil Ahmed, a minor league infielder, delivered a solo homer off Texas reliever Triston Polley, making it 6-3. Later, a two-run rally in the eighth—details of which were not fully specified in available sources but confirmed via X posts—pushed the score to 8-3, putting the game out of reach. The Rangers scratched across a lone run in the eighth off Dodgers reliever Tim Scott, trimming the deficit to 8-4. However, Los Angeles’ bullpen, featuring veterans Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen alongside prospect Jackson Ferris, closed the door. Ferris impressed with two innings, allowing three hits but striking out five without a walk, showcasing his potential as a rising arm in the organization. For Texas, Buchanan took the loss, surrendering four runs over his outing, while the offense managed just four runs despite contributions from Ezequiel Duran and others. The Rangers’ pitching staff struggled to contain the Dodgers’ power, a recurring theme in their early spring setbacks. Standouts for Los Angeles included Smith, Edman, and Freeman with their home runs, Ohtani’s early spark, and May’s solid start. The Dodgers’ 8-4 win on March 6, 2025, improved their spring record to a gaudy 7-0, reflecting their depth and star power even in exhibition play. Texas, meanwhile, will look to regroup after falling to 2-5 in the Cactus League. The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Ohtani's progress has been slowed to give him a break as he recovers from a hybrid Tommy John surgery performed in September 2023 and offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder's labrum. Although Ohtani has not stopped throwing, the team is managing his workload to prevent any setbacks. "We just felt that to intensify the bullpens alongside of the intensity of the games wasn’t smart," Roberts explained, emphasizing a careful progression.
Ohtani will not face hitters before the Dodgers' season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Japan. The team had initially targeted May for Ohtani's return to pitching, but that timeline is now uncertain. Roberts highlighted the need for flexibility, stating, "I just feel, and we all feel, that we’re just trying to make it a broad time to return. We just don’t know. And so I think that when he’s ready, when the process, the progression, as it’s going on, we’ll know. But I don’t want to put any kind of expectation on you guys, or Shohei." The Dodgers are focused on ensuring Ohtani's long-term health and success as they navigate his recovery. Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is widely regarded as one of the best hitters in baseball, but MLB's all-time home run king Barry Bonds believes that hitting is a bit easier now than it was during his playing days. Bonds appeared on the "All The Smoke" podcast, where he discussed Ohtani's impressive talents while noting that players today have fewer concerns at the plate. Acknowledging Ohtani's brilliance, Bonds praised the 2024 NL MVP for his exceptional skills in pitching, hitting, and baserunning. "He's a complete player," Bonds said. "There's no doubt about the type of player he is and what he's accomplished in his career."
Despite his admiration for Ohtani, Bonds pointed out that the game has evolved, making it less challenging for hitters in certain aspects. He mentioned that in his era, pitchers were more likely to plunk hitters following home runs, creating a more intimidating atmosphere at the plate. Bonds argued that Ohtani wouldn't have been able to hit multiple home runs without facing such retaliation in the past. "The game is way different than it was when I played," Bonds remarked. "Ohtani is not gonna hit two home runs without seeing one go by his ear in my generation." Bonds' comments highlight the changes in baseball over the years and the different challenges faced by players in each era. Roki Sasaki's debut as a Los Angeles Dodger on Tuesday night was nothing short of spectacular, with his fastball clocking in at 98 mph and three shutout innings to his name. However, the true testament to his performance came from the words of the hitters he faced. Austin Hays described Sasaki's pitches as "nasty," TJ Friedl called them "heavy," and Austin Wynns simply said they were "electric." Sasaki's impressive outing also earned high praise from future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona, who termed the 23-year-old's first spring training appearance as "impressive."
Sasaki, who joined the Dodgers in January after a competitive recruiting process involving the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, struck out five batters in the team's 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch. With just two weeks remaining before the Dodgers begin the 2025 MLB season in Japan, Sasaki's performance reaffirmed why the team is confident in starting him in the second game of the high-profile series. Having excelled with the Chiba Lotte Mariners over the past four years, Sasaki's transition to the Dodgers looks promising, and fans can expect more electrifying performances from the young pitcher. Excitement is building at Camelback Ranch as Roki Sasaki is poised to make his first appearance in the Cactus League tonight. The game against the visiting Cincinnati Reds is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m. ET (6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT) and will be broadcast on SportsNet LA, MLB Network (in the Reds' market), and MLB.TV (for out-of-market viewers). Sasaki will not be the starting pitcher; instead, he'll follow Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to pitch four innings. Sasaki's goal will be to pitch at least three innings in relief, providing fans with a glimpse of his highly anticipated talent.
Looking ahead, both Yamamoto and Sasaki are expected to pitch in their home country next month when the Dodgers face the Cubs in the Tokyo Series from March 18-19. Yamamoto is likely to start the opener, with Sasaki taking the mound in Game 2. This series will offer an exciting opportunity for the Japanese pitchers to showcase their skills on home soil, further building anticipation for their roles in the upcoming season. Freddie Freeman is navigating a challenging reality this year, managing his surgically repaired right ankle through the first half of the season. While his instinct is to push himself to the limit as he typically does, Freeman must balance that drive with caution to protect his health. On Saturday afternoon at Camelback Ranch, however, he didn’t need to overtax his ankle. Facing the rival Giants, Freeman launched his first home run of the spring in the sixth inning, crushing a hanging slider in his third at-bat. The Dodgers secured a 6-5 victory in Freeman’s second Cactus League game, a positive step as he continues his rehab. Manager Dave Roberts praised Freeman’s performance, noting, “Freddie had a great day—two hard-hit balls and then the homer, which was really hit. He had a great day of work.”
Meanwhile, offseason acquisition Hyeseong Kim joined Freeman in the home run column, notching his first Cactus League homer with an opposite-field shot to left in the fifth inning. Kim, who had a slow start to spring while tweaking his swing, showed signs of settling in. Freeman, who debuted on Thursday with a lined single in his first at-bat, is encouraged by his swing and timing despite limited action prior to camp. With the Dodgers set to face the Cubs in the Tokyo Series on March 18-19, Freeman aims to build up to 30 competitive at-bats during exhibition play. For both players, these early spring successes signal promising momentum as the regular season nears. Shohei Ohtani made a statement in his spring debut on Friday night, launching an opposite-field solo home run in his first at-bat to thrill the packed crowd at Camelback Ranch. The reigning National League MVP powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels, but beyond the highlight-reel homer, Ohtani was more encouraged by the resilience of his surgically repaired left shoulder. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery in the offseason to fix a torn labrum—originally injured diving into second base during Game 2 of the World Series—the 30-year-old faced his first real test and came away optimistic about his recovery.
“Regardless of the results, I think the biggest takeaway was being able to go through my three at-bats without any issues,” Ohtani shared through his interpreter, Will Ireton. “Physically, it felt really good.” Facing fellow Japanese star Yusei Kikuchi in the first inning, Ohtani’s blast not only electrified fans who had flocked to see the Dodgers’ World Series hero in action but also marked a promising step in his return to form. With his shoulder holding up through the night, Ohtani’s focus on health over heroics underscored a successful start to his spring campaign. The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for an electrifying spring training moment as Roki Sasaki is slated to make his Cactus League debut against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, according to manager Dave Roberts. The game, set for 6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT at Camelback Ranch, will be televised on SportsNet LA, MLB Network, and MLB.TV (for out-of-market fans). Sasaki won’t start the game—that role belongs to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to pitch around four innings—but will enter at a planned point to throw at least three innings, with Roberts hinting he might stretch into a fourth.
This debut aligns Sasaki and Yamamoto for a bigger stage next month when the Dodgers kick off the regular season with the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19 in Japan. Yamamoto is penciled in for the opener, with Sasaki likely taking the mound for Game 2. Their Tuesday outings will set them up for one more Cactus League appearance each before the team wraps up spring training on March 11 and heads to Tokyo, giving fans an early preview of the dynamic duo’s potential impact on the Dodgers’ rotation. Freddie Freeman, known for his relentless determination, has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Dodgers. Despite a severely injured right ankle threatening to sideline him from Game 1 of the National League Division Series last year, Freeman played through the pain, going 2-for-5 with a stolen base. Although the injury eventually forced him to miss several postseason games and necessitated offseason surgery, Freeman's resilience has been a testament to his character and dedication to the sport. As he made his spring debut in the 2025 Cactus League, manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of taking it easy to ensure a smooth recovery.
Before Thursday's 2-0 loss to the Rockies at Salt River Fields, Roberts shared his cautious approach with Freeman. "We talked about it," Roberts said, "and I will reiterate it when he gets in the batter's box again today." This measured strategy highlights the Dodgers' commitment to preserving Freeman's long-term health and success. As Freeman continues his rehabilitation journey, his performance in the Cactus League serves as a promising sign for the upcoming season, with the team and fans eagerly anticipating his full return to form. The wait is nearly over for baseball fans eager to see Shohei Ohtani back in action. The Los Angeles Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, announced on Wednesday that Ohtani will make his first appearance of Spring Training as the designated hitter in Friday night's game against the Angels, his former team. This highly anticipated debut will mark Ohtani's return to the field, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
The game is scheduled to begin at 6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT at Camelback Ranch. Fans can catch the action live on SportsNet LA and MLB.TV for out-of-market viewers. With Ohtani's return generating buzz, this game promises to be a highlight of the Spring Training season as he faces off against his former club. Dodgers' new acquisition, Roki Sasaki, faced an early challenge in his spring training debut against the White Sox. In what was described as a "hybrid B-game," Sasaki took the mound against top prospect Kyle Teel. The White Sox catching prospect wasted no time, launching a booming home run on the second pitch he saw. Despite the rocky start, Sasaki found his rhythm and settled into the game, demonstrating his potential. Over three simulated innings, he faced several White Sox hitters, inducing grounders and ending his first inning with a swinging strikeout.
Sasaki's debut was notable for being a clash between two of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects. Ranked No. 1 overall, Sasaki joined the Dodgers after being posted by his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. Teel, ranked No. 32, became a part of the White Sox organization through a blockbuster trade with the Red Sox. Following the early home run, Sasaki's ability to induce weak contact and showcase his strikeout prowess highlighted his resilience. As both players continue to develop, their early encounters in spring training provide a glimpse into the exciting future of Major League Baseball. The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to pay a staggering $1.051 billion in deferred compensation to eight players between 2028 and 2046, following significant contracts signed by Tanner Scott and Teoscar Hernandez. Scott's $72 million, four-year deal and Hernandez's $66 million, three-year contract have contributed to this massive financial obligation. According to details obtained by The Associated Press, the Dodgers' highest payment points will be $100.95 million in both 2038 and 2039, highlighting the long-term financial planning involved. This practice of deferred payments has sparked debate, especially after Major League Baseball's unsuccessful attempt to eliminate it during collective bargaining in 2021.
Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the issue last week, acknowledging the Dodgers' efforts to build a competitive team while adhering to current rules. "The Dodgers have gone out and done everything possible, always within the rules that currently exist, to put the best possible team on the field, and that's a great thing for the game," Manfred stated. However, he also noted concerns from fans in smaller markets about their teams' ability to compete financially with the Dodgers. "It's clear that we have fans in some markets that are concerned about the ability of the team in their market to compete with the financial resources of the Dodgers. And I think if we've been consistent on one point, it is we try to listen to our fans on topics like this," Manfred added, highlighting the ongoing debate over financial equity in the league. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell showcased his prowess by tossing a scoreless inning in his spring training debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. Having signed a $182 million, five-year contract with the Dodgers in November, Snell demonstrated his capabilities by throwing 20 of 30 pitches for strikes. He efficiently retired J.P. Crawford on a groundout, struck out Seattle star Julio Rodríguez, allowed a two-out single to Randy Arozarena, and induced a groundout from Mitch Garver to complete the inning. Notably, Snell's fastball consistently clocked in at 96 mph, a promising sign so early in the season.
Reflecting on his performance, Snell expressed satisfaction with his velocity. "I was looking at velocity more than I thought I was going to," Snell admitted. "But yeah, really happy where that’s at." The 32-year-old left-hander posted a 5-3 record with a 3.12 ERA last season with San Francisco, striking out 145 batters in 104 innings. Emphasizing the importance of fastball command, Snell added, "If you don’t have that, it’s going to be very tough to pitch in this league." His impressive debut bodes well for the Dodgers as they head into the new season with high expectations for their newly acquired ace. Tyler Glasnow, the Los Angeles Dodgers' right-hander, is entering the 2025 season with a familiar objective: staying healthy. After an injury-plagued 2024 season that saw him sidelined with lower back tightness and elbow tendinitis, Glasnow is determined to make a fresh start. During the offseason, he made several adjustments to his delivery to reduce stress on his arm and improve his durability. In his first Cactus League start of the spring, Glasnow threw one inning, striking out two batters before allowing a pair of singles and a two-run double. Despite the mixed results, Glasnow felt sharp and optimistic about his new approach.
Glasnow's journey with the Dodgers has been a rollercoaster. In the first half of the 2024 season, he was one of the best pitchers in baseball, earning his first-ever All-Star selection with a sub-3.00 ERA and 135 strikeouts over 100 innings. However, injuries derailed his promising season, and he was unable to contribute during the Dodgers' World Series run. As he enters his second year with the team, Glasnow's primary goal remains clear: to stay healthy and be a reliable presence in the Dodgers' rotation. His commitment to refining his mechanics and staying fit will be crucial for both his personal success and the team's aspirations. Shohei Ohtani faced live pitching for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in November 2023. The Los Angeles Dodgers' star took 18 swings against Minor League right-hander Nicolas Cruz, hitting a sharp line-drive single to right field. Ohtani's return to live pitching marks a significant step in his recovery, as he aims to be ready for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Roki Sasaki, MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect, threw about 30 pitches in his second bullpen session of the spring. Held in the indoor cages at Camelback Ranch, Sasaki's session was part of his preparation for his anticipated debut with the Dodgers.
Sasaki's bullpen session showcased his impressive pitch arsenal, including his signature splitter. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior noted that the session was designed to get a baseline for Sasaki's pitches using advanced technology. Both Ohtani and Sasaki are gearing up for their Spring Training debuts, with Ohtani expected to make his first appearance later this week and Sasaki scheduled to pitch in a "hybrid B-game" against the White Sox. As the Dodgers prepare for the new season, the progress of these two talented players will be closely watched by fans and the organization alike. Reigning World Series MVP Freddie Freeman took to the field for the first time this spring to test his surgically repaired right ankle, and the reports were overwhelmingly positive. Freeman ran drills and came into Friday morning feeling good, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Roberts expressed optimism about Freeman's recovery, indicating that there's a strong possibility he'll be back in action next week. Freeman has set his sights on being ready for Opening Day in the Tokyo Series on March 18, and his progress is trending in the right direction.
Manager Dave Roberts remains confident in Freeman's readiness for Opening Day, noting that his recovery has been progressing as expected. "I think that is still going to happen," Roberts stated, affirming Freeman's goal of playing in the Tokyo Series. As Freeman continues to make strides in his rehabilitation, the Dodgers are hopeful that their star player will be back on the field, contributing to the team's success from the start of the season. Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller is feeling much better after being struck in the head by a line drive during the first game of spring training. Manager Dave Roberts spoke with Miller, who reported only a lingering headache and a good night's sleep. Miller remains in concussion protocol after the 105.5 mph liner off the bat of Cubs first baseman Michael Busch hit him on the head Thursday. Roberts relayed that Miller was in good spirits, even joking about his "hard head.
While Miller's positive attitude is encouraging, the Dodgers are taking his injury seriously. Remaining in concussion protocol means Miller will continue to be monitored closely for any delayed symptoms. The team will prioritize his health and well-being before he returns to the mound. Roberts' update suggests a positive initial assessment, but the team will undoubtedly proceed cautiously with their young pitcher's recovery. The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran reliever Luis García, adding experienced depth to their pitching staff. García, known for his high-velocity fastball and solid track record out of the bullpen, has pitched for multiple teams, most recently with the San Diego Padres. While his 2023 season had its ups and downs, he has been an effective late-inning option in the past, making him a potential asset for the Dodgers if he can regain his form. With an invite to Spring Training, García will have a chance to compete for a spot in a bullpen that could use additional experienced arms.
For the Dodgers, this move represents a low-risk opportunity to add a seasoned reliever who has experience handling high-leverage situations. If García can rediscover his command and effectiveness, he could provide valuable innings in middle or late relief. Los Angeles has had success in reviving veteran pitchers in recent years, and García could be the latest reclamation project to benefit from their pitching development system. As Spring Training approaches, he’ll look to prove he still has what it takes to contribute to a contending team. Clayton Kershaw has announced that he expects to start the 2024 season on the 60-day injured list (IL) as he continues recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. The Dodgers’ veteran left-hander underwent the procedure in November to address shoulder damage, and while his rehab is progressing, he’s taking a cautious approach. At 35 years old, Kershaw remains a key figure for the team, but both he and the Dodgers are prioritizing a full recovery over an early-season return. His absence leaves a gap in the rotation, but the team is well-prepared to manage without him in the short term.
With Kershaw out, the Dodgers will turn to their newly bolstered pitching staff to maintain their dominance. The additions of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow provide much-needed depth, easing the impact of Kershaw’s delayed return. While there is no set timetable for when he’ll be back, Kershaw remains optimistic about pitching later in the season. Dodgers fans will have to be patient, but if all goes well, they could see their ace return in time to make an impact down the stretch. Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga Set to Start in MLB's Tokyo Series Opening the 2025 Season2/13/2025 The 2025 MLB season will kick off with a two-game series in Tokyo between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19. This marks the return of MLB regular-season games to Japan since 2019, providing a unique opportunity for fans to witness international baseball action. The Tokyo Series is a celebration of baseball's global reach, and it’s expected to draw significant attention from both Japanese and international fans alike.
The Dodgers and Cubs are both set to feature prominent Japanese players in the opening matchups. Dodgers’ ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to take the mound for Los Angeles, while Cubs’ left-hander Shota Imanaga will start for Chicago. This matchup not only showcases the talent of these players but also highlights the connection between the two teams and their Japanese heritage, adding extra excitement for the Tokyo Series. |
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