On February 28, 2025, Major League Baseball's Cactus League spring training kicked off with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Arizona. This highly anticipated match marked the first appearance for Shohei Ohtani, who played as the designated hitter (DH) and took the first at-bat of the game, facing off against his former team and fellow MLB star, Yusei Kikuchi.
The Dodgers' lineup saw notable players, even though some were absent due to injuries and game management. Freddy Freeman, who is recovering from injuries sustained last season, and Teoscar Hernández, who signed again with the team during the offseason, did not take part this game. Instead, the lineup reflected strong returning members from last season, showcasing the depth and resilience of the team heading toward the 2025 season.
Ohtani’s performance started with fireworks right from his first at-bat, delivering what fans and analysts alike would come to celebrate—an opening home run. He faced Kikuchi on full count, hitting the ball at 93.9 mph high and outside to left field, marking not only his return but illustrating why he is considered one of the best; this marked his first at-bat of the spring training and set the tone for the game.
“A homer in Shohei's first Cactus League AB of 2025? Of course it was,” the official Dodgers Twitter account gleefully tweeted, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the hit and Ohtani's return to competitive play after recovering from surgery to fix left shoulder issues sustained during the World Series.
Ohtani, who had previously clinched the title of MVP last season, echoing historical feats by achieving the "50-50" milestone with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, brought energy and anticipation back to the field. How would he fare against his strong counterpart Kikuchi? That was the question on everyone’s mind.
Meanwhile, as the game progressed, the other players also contributed to the scoreboard. Though the Angels managed to stifle the Dodgers' offense following Ohtani's remarkable start, the Dodgers kept pressure on Kikuchi, who did his best to maintain composure.
The game not only served as the platform for Ohtani's return but also highlighted the Dodgers' commitment to developing their squad, evident by the selections made for the match against their SoCal rivals. Dustin May took to the mound for the Dodgers, showcasing the pitching talent the team boasts this season.
The official announced lineup for the Dodgers against the Angels included:
- 1. Shohei Ohtani (DH)
- 2. Mookie Betts (SS)
- 3. Tommy Edman (2B)
- 4. Will Smith (C)
- 5. Max Muncy (3B)
- 6. Kiké Hernández (CF)
- 7. Michael Conforto (LF)
- 8. Miguel Rojas (1B)
- 9. Andy Pahes (RF)
- Pitcher: Dustin May
Meanwhile, Kikuchi took to the mound for the Angels, returning this season eager to tackle the challenges set before him, particularly with the chance to compete directly against his peer Ohtani. Before this matchup, Ohtani had registered 7 hits out of 23 at-bats against Kikuchi, fighting valiantly through every encounter, and fans watched with bated breath as this rivalry would continue to develop through the season.
During the game, the atmospheres were electric, both fan bases passionately supported their teams as they witnessed the unique rivalry of teammates turned opponents on the field and the star-studded names aligning against one another.
Despite the competitive nature, players from both teams shared camaraderie, highlighting how significant spring training is—not just for practice, but also for building team spirit. The practice sessions held prior to the match are ubiquitous, with discussions about strategies, analytics of each other's pitching and batting styles, and playing tendencies forming the backbone of their preparation.
The exhilarating first game of spring training showcased the passion for baseball and the thrill of the upcoming season, as fans and players turned their attention to what they hope will be another successful year in the MLB.