Shohei Ohtani won't play in Dodgers' spring training opener, stays away from live batting practice

Shohei Ohtani did not participate in live batting practice Sunday, and his Los Angeles Dodgers spring training debut is on hold.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani, who is coming back from elbow surgery, will not play in Thursday's opener against the San Diego Padres. The two-time MVP signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract as a free agent in December.

Roberts, though, has been encouraged by Ohtani's progress physically.

“He's a lot further along than I think any of us — maybe not named Shohei — would have expected,” Roberts said on Saturday. “He's worked really hard, very diligent in his work, so he's ahead of schedule.