The newest Dodgers superstar made a big progress toward his goal of feeling ready to start the season. At Camelback Ranch, Ohtani took batting practice for the first time since having his 2023 season cut short due to a second major surgery on his right arm.

Ohtani, who has received good feedback from management and teammates for his intentional approach to every swing, took pitches from J.T. Watkins during a mock at-bat. Ohtani effortlessly cleared the right-field fence in the very first round with only his second swing of the session. The two-time AL Most Valuable player completed two batting practice sessions overall. In all, he took 21 swings, 10 of which were home runs.

Apart from the elbow injury, Ohtani also had a left oblique injury that kept him out of the game during the last month of the season. Another hopeful step forward for Ohtani came on Monday when he took the field, indicating that the injuries are behind him.

Ohtani stated, "I was being a little careful."  But all in all, he felt great and incredibly strong after swinging through the cage a few times. It is to believe that the injury is past him.

Though it is unclear what Ohtani's recovery plan entails moving forward, he has stated multiple times that he is still on track to play on Opening Day. But it's improbable that Ohtani will take part in the Dodgers' live batting practice in the coming days. 

Ohtani looked every bit as incredible at his first batting practice. Typically, at the beginning of the spring, most players don't hit many home runs during these workouts. But not for Ohtani, he hit a home run over the wall in right-center field, which was one of his finest swings yet.

Robert Van Scoyoc, the hitting coach for the Dodgers, asked Ohtani if he had been jammed on the pitch after the ball ended up in the bushes. Ohtani grinned as he turned around and replied, "A little bit."

He appears fantastic on the field. Van Scoyoc remarked, He looks amazing. He moves well. He is moving quickly. It's really coming off the bat. He is a firecracker. “So from everything I’ve seen, he looks outstanding."

This gives a favorable impression on Ohtani and the Dodgers.