The Dodgers have given their players, especially their stars, the freedom to choose their own timetables over the years.

Although he's in good shape, Clayton Kershaw has always insisted on doing what he thinks is best. When you're among the greatest pitchers of all time, you get to enjoy that kind of flexibility.

For Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, particularly in their first season with the Dodgers, the same might be said. As the Dodgers come to know the big right-hander, Tyler Glasnow has also been moving to a lesser amount, based on what he believes is best for his body and skillset.

It has been essentially the same with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers' spring focus has been to get to know the two Japanese players and establish a comfortable relationship with them, even though they will be expected to perform at a high level this season.

The Dodgers have given Ohtani a lot of flexibility. Not because he is the $700 million guy, but rather because he recently underwent an important second surgery on his right elbow. Because Ohtani has experienced this process before, the team has been more understanding in allowing the two-time American League Most Valuable Player to decide his own timetable. 

After deciding not to participate in live batting practice a few times over the weekend, Ohtani eventually did so on Monday, when he launched a home run off J.P. Feyereisen. Ohtani's active participation in all team activities is another plus for the club.

Ohtani will keep deciding how much work he wants to put in over the course of the next few days. Additionally, he'll decide when he thinks he'll be prepared for Cactus League games.  The Dodgers only want him to be a part of the team and stay healthy in time for the team's Opening Series against the Padres on March 20 in Seoul, South Korea.

With Yamamoto, his adjustment is unrelated to an injury. The right-hander arrived at camp in perfect health, and it is anticipated that he will face the Padres in South Korea on March 20 or 21 for his Major League debut.

The main objective for this spring is to get to know Yamamoto and accustom him to a Major League routine. Starters only get to pitch once a week in Japan. The Dodgers' five-man starting rotation to begin the season will alter Yamamoto's routine slightly.

In the upcoming weeks, the Dodgers will continue to work in adjusting Yamamoto to that. Cactus League games will serve as a trial run for them. Throughout the season, they will also take advantage of off days to offer Yamamoto an extra day off, more closely replicating his approach with the Orix Buffaloes.

For Ohtani and Yamamoto of the Dodgers, this spring is full of learning. And it will carry on all season long.