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GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Spring training Sho-time starts today with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani will make his exhibition debut with the Dodgers when he serves as the designated hitter for Los Angeles today in a game against the Chicago White Sox.
Los Angeles has been taking it slowly with the two-way star, who signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract during the offseason. The two-time MVP is coming off right elbow surgery last September that will keep him from pitching this year.
Ohtani did take live batting practice on Sunday, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saying the sport's biggest star looked "good" and will play his first exhibition game today.
The 29-year-old Ohtani is further along in his recovery than Los Angeles anticipated, and the team hopes he will be available when the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres play a two-game series in Seoul, South Korea, on March 20 and 21.
"Most importantly is his health," Roberts told reporters. "So if it lines up, great. And if it doesn't, then we'll still move on from there."
The Dodgers also announced that right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to make his first Cactus League appearance on Wednesday against Texas.
Los Angeles gave the 25-year-old Yamamoto a $325-million, 12-year deal in December after bringing him over from Japan, where he won three straight Most Valuable Player awards in the Nippon Pacific League.