Ohtani to begin throwing program soon, may play in field

SEOUL, South Korea – Shohei Ohtani may be more than just a designated hitter this season, after all.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Ohtani – ruled out this year as a pitcher after his second surgery on his right elbow – will soon start a throwing program that might allow him to play in the field this season.

“Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter,” Roberts said. “Once we get back to the States, he is going to start his throwing program, which he hasn’t started yet, We’ll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not going to pitch this year.”

It’s the first sign that Ohtani may do more than just DH after signing a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. Of course, when he might play in the field is unclear – or if it happens at all.

Ohtani and the Dodgers open the MLB season on Wednesday in Seoul in a two-game series against the San Diego Padres, the first MLB games in South Korea. Ohtani has been the focus of everything, including bringing his wife with him after announcing last month he had married.

Wembanyama, Spurs headed to France next season

AUSTIN, Texas – Victor Wembanyama sounds like he expects to be playing an NBA game – or two, perhaps – in his native France next season.

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich confirmed Sunday night that the Spurs are heading to Paris next season, something that former Spurs guard Tony Parker revealed to French reporters several weeks ago.

“We’re going there,” Popovich said. The comment about Paris came after San Antonio topped Brooklyn in Austin, Texas, in what was a home game for the Spurs.