Trending Now - Ohtani Shines With 4 Strikeouts in Spring Pitching Debut

WHO:

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander

Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

San Francisco Giants, Team Japan

WHAT:

Ohtani struck out four batters in his spring training debut.

He pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit, two walks, and hitting one batter.

Ohtani threw 61 pitches, with 34 strikes.

He topped out at 99.9 mph during the game.

Ohtani went 6-for-13 (.462) with three home runs and seven RBIs in the World Baseball Classic.

WHERE:

Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Arizona

WHEN:

The game took place on March 18th, 2026.

Ohtani's last competitive pitching appearance was on November 1st, 2023, in Game 7 of the World Series.

The regular season begins on March 26th, 2026.

WHY:

Ohtani focused on pitching to re-acclimate himself after not pitching in the World Baseball Classic.

The Dodgers aim for a three-peat in the World Series.

HOW:

Ohtani prepared by throwing bullpen sessions and a four-inning simulated game before his spring debut.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 03:50 UTC)

In a standout performance during his spring training debut on March 18, 2026, Shohei Ohtani, the right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, struck out four batters and pitched 4 and 1/3 scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. Ohtani allowed just one hit and two walks while hitting one batter, throwing 61 pitches with an impressive top speed of 99.9 mph. This marks his first competitive outing since November 1, 2023, and he is preparing for the regular season, which begins on March 26, as the Dodgers aim for a third consecutive World Series title.