Ohtani is getting in at-bats, feeling healthy

The countdown has begun.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he had a conversation with Shohei Ohtani earlier this week and Ohtani told him he will need 50 at-bats to prepare for the season. After Wednesday’s workout, Ohtani said those atbats are all created equal, whether they come in a Cactus League game, in a live batting practice session or even facing a pitching machine in the batting cages.

“I feel like I have more than enough time to get to 50 at-bats,” Ohtani said through his interpreter.

“There’s not a huge difference within a game or inside. The main thing I’m looking for is the timing aspect, when I’m late on pitches or early, how my body reacts, how my bat reacts. There’s not too big of a difference.”

If that’s the case, Ohtani has already had at least five at-bats — three in live batting practice Monday and two more Wednesday.

Ohtani stood in for five pitches without swinging against Daniel Hudson in Wednesday’s session, then hit a hard ground ball through the right side of the infield on the first pitch he saw from Ryan Yarbrough.

“I’m feeling good at the plate, seeing the ball well,” Ohtani said. “Otherwise there’s nothing there (with his surgically repaired elbow). So it’s a really good sign.”

Roberts said earlier in the spring that Ohtani was “a lot further along” than expected in his recovery from September’s elbow surgery. Ohtani has said he was better prepared for the rehab this time, having come back from Tommy John surgery in October 2018 as well.

“I don’t really feel like it’s ahead of schedule. I feel like we’re right on schedule, which is a really good thing,” he said of Roberts’ comment. “And my body is reacting really well so far. So everything is trending in the right direction.”

• The Dodgers will open Cactus League play against the San Diego Padres at the Peoria Sports Complex today. --Bill Plunkett

HOSMER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT >>

Eric Hosmer announced his retirement from baseball following a 13-year career that included winning four Gold Gloves and helping lead Kansas City to victory in the 2015 World Series.

Hosmer, 34, was released by the Chicago Cubs on May 25 after hitting .234 with two home runs in 31 games. The first baseman decided not to pursue any other playing opportunities.

Hosmer said he has partnered with former minor league teammate Anthony Seratelli to form Moonball Media, which is launching a podcast called “Diggin’ Deep.” Hosmer will be one of the show’s hosts.

He spent seven seasons with the Royals before signing an eight-year, $144 million contract with San Diego before the 2018 season. Hosmer played five seasons for the Padres before being traded to Boston in 2022, then finishing up with the Cubs last year. TORRES WANTS TO REMAIN WITH YANKEES >> Starting what could be his final season with the New York Yankees, Gleyber Torres was clear about his intent: “I don’t want to leave,” he said. “I want to be a Yankee for life.”

Torres, 27, was an Allstar in his first two seasons with the Yankees in 2018 and ‘19, slumped badly for two years and rebounded to become a productive if not spectacular player. He hit .273 with 25 homers, 68 RBIS and 13 stolen bases last season with an .800 OPS. Torres is eligible for free agency after the World Series.

RYU RETURNING TO SOUTH KOREA >>

Former Dodger and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu looks set to return to South Korea after 10 years in Major League Baseball, South Korean media reported. The left-hander played six seasons for the the Dodgers and four with the Blue Jays.