He's ramping up for WBC as Roberts floats potential for the Cy Young

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects a lot from Shohei Ohtani this season.

- BY JACK VITA

BRANDON SLOTER Getty Images SHOHEI OHTANI speaks to media as pitchers and catchers reported for camp.

But even with those high expectations, a topic of conversation Friday as pitchers and catchers went through their first official workouts at Camelback Ranch, the superstar two-way player already found a way to exceed them.“I came into camp at the beginning of February,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton following a bullpen session. “This is my third bullpen with pretty good intensity. ... I'm not really sure how I'll be able to practice in the WBC setting, so I'm going to try to ramp up as much as I can to a point where I’m throwing a live BP, which should be next week.”

The 2026 season will be Ohtani’s third year with the Dodgers, and his first pitching without restrictions. Fully recovered from his second Tommy John surgery, Ohtani was able to enjoy a regular, albeit short, off-season. With Ohtani in full bloom, Roberts has even higher hopes for the four-time MVP in the coming season.