It took Shohei Ohtani one AB to prove shoulder isn't a concern for the Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani stepped to the plate for the first time in Spring Training on Friday as the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch.

Every Ohtani plate appearance is notable, but with the two-way superstar recovering from shoulder surgery over the offseason, all eyes were on his first spring training AB.

Ohtani did what he often does — produced a must-see highlight. A full-count high fastball from his fellow countryman Yusei Kikuchi was launched the other way into the bullpen for a solo home run.

Shohei Ohtani instantly proved his shoulder isn't an issue for the Dodgers

The dislocated shoulder Ohtani suffered in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees delayed his spring training debut by a few weeks. The shoulder injury was never expected to eat into the regular season, but there were concerns about how it would impact his performance at the plate.

Ohtani is also ramping up to return to the mound for the first time since 2023. While that won't happen until May, the combination of Ohtani's shoulder surgery and his return to the mound gave him an excuse to have a slow start in 2025.

If his first plate appearance of 2025 is any indication, the reigning National League MVP will pick up right where he left off for the Dodgers this season.

Ohtani put together the best offensive season of his career in his first year at Chavez Ravine. The slugging left-hander became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, finishing with 54 and 59, respectively.

The World Series was not as friendly to Ohtani, partly because of the shoulder injury. Ohtani slashed .105/.227/.158 in the World Series with five strikeouts and only two hits. He recorded just one hit after suffering the shoulder injury.

Those struggles do not appear to be following Ohtani into the 2025 season. It will be compelling to see how the two-way superstar juggles a return to the mound with his everyday role as the designated hitter. Granted, Ohtani posted the highest OPS in his career while pitching in 2023, so it may not have a negative impact at all.

One thing is for certain: Ohtani is clearly past the shoulder injury he suffered the last time he played at Dodgers Stadium. Any worries about the injury lingering into 2025 can officially be squashed.