LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani removed any doubt that he can be a full-time “two-way” threat again.
Ohtani struck out 11 batters in four-plus innings while also serving as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter in a 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium in the final game of the preseason.
Ohtani, filling both roles simultaneously for the first time since Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays last November, went 1 for 2 at the plate. His single in the fourth inning marked the Dodgers’ first hit of the game.
The Angels scored three runs in the top of the fifth inning, all charged to Ohtani. He exited after giving up three consecutive singles and one run to start the inning.
That outburst contrasted sharply with how Ohtani began the game, striking out the first two batters he faced.
Using his curveball more than usual, he continued to baffle his former team. After giving up a hit and a walk to start the second inning, he struck out the next six batters in succession. A leadoff walk in the fourth inning was followed by three straight strikeouts.
According to Major League Baseball statistics, 17 of his 86 pitches (20%) were curveballs. Two days earlier, he was seen working on his curveball during a bullpen session.
“My No. 1 objective is to go through the entire year healthy,” said Ohtani, who did not pitch in the 2024 season after undergoing elbow surgery and was limited to 14 starts last season.