Shohei Ohtani struck out in both of his at-bats against the Kiwoom Heroes, but potentially of greater concern for the Los Angeles Dodgers was he appeared to be in some discomfort multiple times during their 14-3 win at Gocheok Sky Dome.
Hunter Feduccia pinch-hit for Ohtani in the fourth inning, but that was due to the plan of only having him take two at-bats in the Dodgers’ first exhibition game.
“He’s fine,” manager Dave Roberts said after the win. “On that one swing I saw him kind of grab, but nothing from the training staff and nothing from Shohei.”
Roberts added Ohtani is expected to be in the Dodgers lineup Monday when they face the Korean National Team. First pitch in South Korea is scheduled for Monday, at 7:07 p.m. (Monday, March 17, at 3:07 a.m. PT).
There was certainly reason for external concern when watching Ohtani’s body language, considering his 2023 season with the Los Angeles Angels ended early not because of right elbow surgery, but due to irritation oblique irritation.
The right oblique injury largely took a backseat to conversations about Ohtani’s health during Spring Training as much of the focus has been on his now-twice surgically repaired elbow.
Every indication leading into camp and as the Dodgers prepared to leave Camelback Ranch was that Ohtani’s recovery and progression as a hitter continued to go smoothly.
Which Kiwoom Heroes pitcher struck out Shohei Ohtani?
Against the Heroes, Ohtani’s two at-bats were against starter Ariel Jurado. The right-hander pitched in the Majors for the Texas Rangers from 2018-2019, and New York Mets in 2020. Jurado only appeared in 44 games during that span, but pitched against Ohtani more than any other opponent.
“I faced him when I was with Texas,” Jurado said after his latest success against Ohtani. “He’s great. He’s the best player in MLB right now. I think I used the same sequence like when I was in the Major Leagues – some fastballs up. He swung – thank you for me.
“He’s one of the best players in the Major Leagues every year.”
Ohtani was just 4-for-22 (.182) when facing Jurado in the Majors.
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