GLENDALE, Ariz. — It was Day 1 of spring training at Camelback Ranch as pitchers and catchers reported, signaling the unofficial start of the Dodgers’ pursuit of a third straight championship. The energy was crisp and early, a mix of routine and renewal.
While it was technically pitchers and catchers only, several notable position players were already in camp — Max Muncy, Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim, Kyle Tucker, and Miguel Rojas — getting a head start before the full squad reports by Tuesday, Feb. 17.
But as expected, much of the focus centered on one player.
Shohei Ohtani arrived at camp at the start of the month, well ahead of the official reporting date. The early arrival underscores what is at stake this year: the Dodgers’ quest to three-peat — and Ohtani’s pursuit of the one major accolade that has eluded him.
Four MVPs. A historic 50-50 season. Two World Series rings.
“The Cy Young,” manager Dave Roberts said when asked about Ohtani’s expectations. “I think it’s fair to say he expects to be in the Cy Young conversation.”
It’s the only major award missing from Ohtani’s collection.
Ohtani threw his third bullpen session Friday in front of fans, drawing a sizable crowd along the fences. His workload has been deliberate but steady, particularly given his abbreviated time in Arizona this spring due to the World Baseball Classic.
Roberts confirmed that — for now — Ohtani is expected to continue hitting leadoff even on days he pitches.
“As of now yes,” Roberts said. “We’ll see how that progresses, and I’ll have conversations with him.”
That “as of now” leaves room for adjustment. The Dodgers will monitor how Ohtani handles the dual workload as the season unfolds. There’s at least a possibility he won’t remain in the top spot in the order on days he takes the mound.
Will he pitch in Cactus League play? That remains unclear.
Shohei Ohtani gave his MVP speech in English. So, Ohtani was asked if he’ll still need Will Irenton to be his interpreter.
“I still need him because there might be some bullies out there that might give me some weird questions that I’m sure he can handle.”@sportingtrib pic.twitter.com/ryAD01R6Ss
— Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) February 13, 2026
Ohtani will leave camp early to join Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic, where he is expected to hit but not pitch. With limited time in Glendale, Roberts acknowledged the uncertainty.
“It’s possible,” Roberts said when asked if Ohtani could start a Cactus League game before departing. “It sort of depends on how long he’s going to be with us. So I don’t really know exactly.”
The Dodgers open their spring schedule next weekend against the Angels. Ideally, they’d prefer to get Ohtani at least one start before the regular season, especially since he won’t be pitching in the WBC.
His departure date for Team Japan is still undetermined. Japan opens tournament play March 6 at the Tokyo Dome, and if they make a deep run — with the championship game set for March 17 in Miami — Ohtani’s return could come just days before Opening Day.
The Dodgers wrap up play at Camelback Ranch on March 21 before heading back to Southern California for three exhibition games against the Angels. Opening Day is March 26 against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
So will we see Ohtani pitch this spring? For now, that answer remains up in the air.
If Ohtani’s storyline is about chasing history, Alex Vesia’s return was about something far more profound.
Vesia addressed the media publicly for the first time since he and his wife, Kayla, lost their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol — a tragedy that caused him to miss the 2025 World Series.
Fighting through emotion, Vesia delivered a heartfelt six-minute message.
“She was the most beautiful girl in the world,” he said. “Her time with us was far too short.”
He and Kayla were able to hold her, change her diaper, read to her, and love her.
“We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her, and love her. Kay and I will keep those precious moments and memories to ourselves.”
Vesia began by acknowledging his wife.
“I just wanted to start off by acknowledging my wife, Kayla, who is not only the strongest person that I know, but a support system for me every bit as I am for her.”
He thanked the Dodgers organization — Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, Roberts, the coaching staff, and his teammates — for their support during the most difficult period of his life.
He also offered gratitude to the Blue Jays, who wore No. 51 on their caps during the World Series in tribute.
“They are a first-class organization. Kay and I, we were very emotional. It showed it was much bigger than baseball.”
Vesia closed with a message that extended beyond the clubhouse.
“For those out there who have lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Talk to somebody.”
Roberts said the club’s hearts go out to Vesia and his wife.
“You feel for Alex and Kayla. I can’t put into words… I’m happy to see him. They’re doing well, his teammates are excited to have him back.”
Vesia also shared that the outpouring from fans was overwhelming.
“My DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we’ve had.”
Day 1 of spring training is typically about bullpens, conditioning drills, and cautious optimism.
This one carried a little more weight.
There’s the pursuit of a three-peat.There’s a once-in-a-generation star chasing the Cy Young to complete his resume. There’s a clubhouse rallying around a teammate returning from an unimaginable loss.
The work has officially begun in Glendale. And already, the 2026 season feels layered — championship expectations intertwined with personal resilience.