Shohei Ohtani cut an impressive figure Wednesday as he took batting practice in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform for the first time at spring training.
With fellow offseason arrival Yoshinobu Yamamoto watching, Ohtani took 29 swings and sent 10 over the fence, including five in a row, at the Dodgers' practice facility in Glendale, Arizona.
The eye-catching display came in just his second batting practice on the field since undergoing surgery in September.
Speaking to broadcaster SportsNet LA, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts compared Ohtani to former teammate and seven-time National League Most Valuable Player Barry Bonds.
"I think as far as the talent, Barry was the most talented player I've ever played with, and Shohei probably has a chance to be the most talented player to ever play the game of baseball," Roberts said.
Yamamoto earlier wrapped up a bullpen session in which he showed an array of his weapons over 44 pitches.
Roberts also heaped praise on Yamamato, who is set to make his highly anticipated U.S. major league debut after several seasons as the standout pitcher in Japanese baseball with the Orix Buffaloes.
"He's a very methodical worker, very intelligent. Likes to have fun," Roberts said. "But when he gets on the mound...there's an uber-competitor in there and that's good to see."
Several other Japanese players were also in action at spring training on Wednesday, including another highly touted new arrival, Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga.
With a throng of media paying close attention, Imanaga threw a mix of curveballs, sliders and changeups in a 31-pitch bullpen.
The 30-year-old said he was feeling comfortable in his new surroundings among teammates including countryman Seiya Suzuki.
"Before I left Japan, I had some anxieties about the different lifestyle, obviously the different country, different environment, things like that. But upon arrival, everyone has been so kind and accepting that I've even forgotten what I was anxious about," Imanaga said.
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