{"id":571886,"date":"2026-02-14T09:05:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T09:05:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/571886\/"},"modified":"2026-02-14T09:05:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T09:05:25","slug":"ohtanis-pursuit-and-vesias-return-define-first-day-at-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/571886\/","title":{"rendered":"Ohtani’s pursuit and Vesia’s return define first day at camp"},"content":{"rendered":"

GLENDALE, Ariz. \u2014 It was Day 1 of spring training at Camelback Ranch as pitchers and catchers reported, signaling the unofficial start of the Dodgers\u2019 pursuit of a third straight championship. The energy was crisp and early, a mix of routine and renewal.<\/p>\n

While it was technically pitchers and catchers only, several notable position players were already in camp \u2014 Max Muncy, Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim, Kyle Tucker, and Miguel Rojas \u2014 getting a head start before the full squad reports by Tuesday, Feb. 17.<\/p>\n

But as expected, much of the focus centered on one player.<\/p>\n

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\u2019 quest to three-peat \u2014 and Ohtani\u2019s pursuit of the one major accolade that has eluded him.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Four MVPs. A historic 50-50 season. Two World Series rings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cy Young,\u201d manager Dave Roberts said when asked about Ohtani\u2019s expectations. \u201cI think it\u2019s fair to say he expects to be in the Cy Young conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the only major award missing from Ohtani\u2019s collection.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Roberts confirmed that \u2014 for now \u2014 Ohtani is expected to continue hitting leadoff even on days he pitches.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs of now yes,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see how that progresses, and I\u2019ll have conversations with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

That \u201cas of now\u201d leaves room for adjustment. The Dodgers will monitor how Ohtani handles the dual workload as the season unfolds. There\u2019s at least a possibility he won\u2019t remain in the top spot in the order on days he takes the mound.<\/p>\n

Will he pitch in Cactus League play? That remains unclear.<\/p>\n

Shohei Ohtani gave his MVP speech in English. So, Ohtani was asked if he’ll still need Will Irenton to be his interpreter.<\/p>\n

“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<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ryAD01R6Ss<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) February 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible,\u201d Roberts said when asked if Ohtani could start a Cactus League game before departing. \u201cIt sort of depends on how long he\u2019s going to be with us. So I don\u2019t really know exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dodgers open their spring schedule next weekend against the Angels. Ideally, they\u2019d prefer to get Ohtani at least one start before the regular season, especially since he won\u2019t be pitching in the WBC.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 with the championship game set for March 17 in Miami \u2014 Ohtani\u2019s return could come just days before Opening Day.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

So will we see Ohtani pitch this spring? For now, that answer remains up in the air.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

If Ohtani\u2019s storyline is about chasing history, Alex Vesia\u2019s return was about something far more profound.<\/p>\n

Vesia addressed the media publicly for the first time since he and his wife, Kayla, lost their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol \u2014 a tragedy that caused him to miss the 2025 World Series.<\/p>\n

Fighting through emotion, Vesia delivered a heartfelt six-minute message.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was the most beautiful girl in the world,\u201d he said. \u201cHer time with us was far too short.\u201d<\/p>\n

He and Kayla were able to hold her, change her diaper, read to her, and love her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vesia began by acknowledging his wife.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

He thanked the Dodgers organization \u2014 Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, Roberts, the coaching staff, and his teammates \u2014 for their support during the most difficult period of his life.<\/p>\n

He also offered gratitude to the Blue Jays, who wore No. 51 on their caps during the World Series in tribute.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are a first-class organization. Kay and I, we were very emotional. It showed it was much bigger than baseball.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vesia closed with a message that extended beyond the clubhouse.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roberts said the club\u2019s hearts go out to Vesia and his wife.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou feel for Alex and Kayla. I can\u2019t put into words\u2026 I\u2019m happy to see him. They\u2019re doing well, his teammates are excited to have him back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vesia also shared that the outpouring from fans was overwhelming.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we\u2019ve had.\u201d<\/p>\n

Day 1 of spring training is typically about bullpens, conditioning drills, and cautious optimism.<\/p>\n

This one carried a little more weight.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s the pursuit of a three-peat.There\u2019s a once-in-a-generation star chasing the Cy Young to complete his resume. There\u2019s a clubhouse rallying around a teammate returning from an unimaginable loss.<\/p>\n

The work has officially begun in Glendale. And already, the 2026 season feels layered \u2014 championship expectations intertwined with personal resilience.<\/p>\n