2024-02-22 06:04:25
LA Dodgers Shohei Otani./Getty Images Korea
[마이데일리 = 박승환 기자] First of all, it has been confirmed that Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LA Dodgers) will appear in the ‘Seoul Series’. So what will happen to Shohei Otani’s participation?
On the 22nd (Korean time), ‘MLB.com’ took the time to check whether LA Dodgers players would participate in the Seoul Series. The ‘Seoul Series’ is the official opening game of this year’s Major League Baseball and will be held between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on March 20th and 21st.
According to MLB.com, manager Dave Roberts confirmed the starting pitchers for the Seoul Series in an interview with local media. The pitching order has not been determined, but Yoshinobu Yamamoto entered the big leagues following signing a huge 12-year contract worth $325 million (approximately KRW 433.1 billion) with the Dodgers this winter. After wearing the Dodgers uniform through a trade, he received $136.5 million for five years. Tyler Glasnow, who signed an extension contract worth (approximately 181.7 billion won), is scheduled to take the mound as the starting pitcher.
With Yamamoto and Glasnow confirmed to appear, the person of greatest interest is by far Shohei Otani. Ohtani became a free agent for the first time in his career following the end of last season, and was a hot potato this winter. Ohtani received interest from numerous major league clubs, and was given the opportunity to wear the Dodgers’ uniform through the largest contract in global professional sports history, worth 700 million dollars (regarding 931.6 billion won) over 10 years.
LA Dodgers Shohei Otani./Getty Images Korea
LA Dodgers Shohei Otani./Getty Images Korea
Ohtani, who made his name known worldwide as a ‘dual sword’, is unable to take the mound in the 2024 season. This is because he suffered a ruptured right elbow ligament during last season. This put him on the operating table, and a long rehabilitation is inevitable. ‘Pitcher’ Ohtani’s return is expected to be in the 2025 season. However, it is possible for him to return to the field as a ‘batsman’ that is not significantly related to his elbow injury. Currently, Otani is training with the goal of this year’s opening match.
The Dodgers will begin their exhibition game schedule with a match once morest San Diego on the 23rd, but Ohtani is not expected to play until this weekend. Otani, who knows his physical condition best, was entrusted with coordinating the timing of his return. ‘MLB.com’ explained, “Considering that Ohtani went through a rehabilitation process following elbow surgery, the Dodgers allowed the two-doll superstar to make his own schedule.”
First of all, the rehabilitation process is very smooth. Ohtani has already started batting practice, and on the 19th, he went live batting and drew his first arch. And in the second live pitching on the 22nd, he got a walk in his first at-bat and then hit a grounder to second base in his second at-bat. If there are no major problems, it is highly likely that he will appear in the opening game of the Seoul Series on March 20th. But here, ‘conditions’ depend.
LA Dodgers Shohei Otani./Getty Images Korea
Manager Roberts said in an interview with local media that Ohtani must have 50 at-bats to participate in the Seoul Series. The head coach said, “What Ohtani is thinking regarding is 50 at-bats. Once he gets 50 at-bats, he will be ready to open the season.” Considering that he is not participating in this week’s exhibition game and that the opening game of the Seoul Series is earlier than the opening game in the U.S., it is clear that it is a tight schedule.
With his absence confirmed this week, if Ohtani plays in the first game next week, the Dodgers are scheduled to play a total of 19 games until the opening of the Seoul Series. This means that 50 at-bats must be filled within this period. In the case of exhibition games, considering that the main players only have 1-2 at-bats and gradually improve their condition, it may take quite a long time to reach 50 at-bats. However, Otani plans to respond flexibly.
Japan’s Nikkan Sports explained, “Ohtani’s count of 50 at-bats includes not only exhibition games, but also entire practice, including live batting and blue-and-white matches, so we will respond flexibly.” First of all, I think Otani can easily fill 50 at-bats. He expressed confidence, saying, “I did the simulation, and I think I have enough time to get to 50 at-bats. It’s going well on schedule. So far, my body is responding very well and I’m moving in the right direction.”
Reporter Park Seung-hwan absolute@mydaily.co.kr
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