Shohei Ohtani is gearing up for his first full season with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a dynamic two-way player, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. After showcasing his skills with Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani returned to the Dodgers and took the mound in a Cactus League matchup against the San Francisco Giants, delivering 4.1 scoreless innings.
As the Dodgers prepare for the exhibition Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani is set for a final tune-up before the regular season kicks off. He'll face his former team at Dodger Stadium, with manager Dave Roberts indicating that either Sheehan or Wrobleski will follow him in a "piggyback" role. This setup positions Ohtani to likely make his regular-season pitching debut against the Cleveland Guardians on March 31.
The Dodgers’ starting rotation for 2026 is coming into focus. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is confirmed for Opening Day, while Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Emmet Sheehan are expected to fill the next spots, with Sheehan edging out Justin Wrobleski for the final slot. The team’s schedule allows some flexibility, as a sixth starter won’t be needed until mid-April when they face the New York Mets.
Ohtani, who resumed pitching last summer after Tommy John surgery, logged 67.1 innings between the regular season and playoffs. His performance has sparked conversations about his potential to contend for the National League Cy Young Award.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Ohtani's untapped potential, noting that the disciplined star aims to be in the Cy Young mix. Roberts emphasized the importance of Ohtani's health and consistency, trusting that the numbers will naturally follow.
With Ohtani's work ethic and high expectations, this season promises to be an exciting chapter for both him and the Dodgers.