In a significant milestone towards his return to the field, Shohei Ohtani, the talented Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, took part in a batting practice session at Camelback Ranch. This marked the first time Ohtani had been able to hit on the field since undergoing a second major right elbow surgery that cut short his 2023 season.

Ohtani, known for his meticulous approach to every swing, showcased his prowess during the practice session. With J.T. Watkins pitching to him, Ohtani effortlessly cleared the right-field fence on just his second swing of the session. Demonstrating his power and accuracy, Ohtani hit a total of 10 home runs out of the 21 swings he took during the two rounds of batting practice.

Speaking through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I felt really good overall. Every swing got really strong with some good results." These encouraging signs, coupled with his confidence, have Ohtani trending towards being ready for the Dodgers' Opening Day against the Padres in Seoul, South Korea on March 20.

The practice session also provided positive indications for Ohtani's recovery from a left oblique injury that sidelined him for the last month of the previous season. Ohtani stated, "I was being a little careful, but overall I felt really good. All the swings I took inside the cage felt really strong. I think we're past the oblique injury."

While the next steps of Ohtani's rehabilitation remain uncertain, he remains optimistic about his progress. He has reaffirmed that he is on schedule for Opening Day. Although he may not participate in live batting practice right away, Ohtani's hitting work will primarily take place in the cage, with occasional on-field sessions to monitor his progress.

The impressive display by Ohtani during the batting practice session left a lasting impression on Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc. Van Scoyoc praised Ohtani's physicality and explosive performance, stating, "On the field, he looks great. He looks awesome. He's moving good. He's moving fast. The ball is really coming off. He's explosive. So from everything I've seen, he looks outstanding."

As Ohtani continues his rehab and prepares for the upcoming season, his progress in batting practice brings renewed hope to the Dodgers' lineup. Fans eagerly anticipate his return to the field, as they look forward to witnessing his exceptional talent and power once again.

With Opening Day quickly approaching, the Dodgers and Ohtani's teammates remain optimistic that he will be ready to take the field and contribute to their quest for success. The anticipation for Ohtani's performance continues to grow, and his recent batting practice session only adds to the excitement surrounding his highly-anticipated return.