The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up with their top talent for the upcoming Cactus League matchups.
According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that 2024 World Series MVP Freddie Freeman will make his 2025 Cactus League debut on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies. However, coming off ankle surgery in December, the star first baseman will ease back into action as a designated hitter.
Roberts also told reporters that NL MVP Shohei Ohtani will make his highly anticipated Dodgers debut on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels.
He’ll be joined by two-time All-Star catcher Will Smith, who is set for his Cactus League debut after recovering from a minor injury setback.
Some more Dodgers regulars will make their Cactus League debuts this week
Freddie Freeman is scheduled to DH tomorrow
Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith are set to play Friday
Smith has been dealing with an ankle issue since the start of camp, but he noted that it only bothers him while running.
“Smith said the issue only impacts him running and he hasn’t started a progression there just yet,” according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. “But a sign of how minimal the issue is expected to be: Smith still caught Sasaki’s bullpen on Friday and took live batting practice off of Yamamoto and Knack.”
Ohtani is still recovering from left shoulder surgery, which adds to the Dodgers’ list of injury concerns. With the season opener fast approaching, these key players have little time to get back to full strength.
L.A. will begin their campaign earlier than most as they’re set to face the Chicago Cubs in the two-game Tokyo Series on March 18-19.