Ohtani might play in field this season

SEOUL, South Korea — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Shohei 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.

Judge expected back Wednesday

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is expected to play in Wednesday night's exhibition against Pittsburgh after an eightday layoff caused by an abdominal injury while leadoff hitter DJ LeMahieu's status for opening day is unclear because of a hurt foot.

Judge hasn’t taken batting practice on the infield or played since March 10, when he struck out in both at-bats against Atlanta. He has hit off a tee, did soft toss and taken batting practice against a pitching machine in an indoor cage.

Bauer to pitch against Yankees

Trevor Bauer says he will pitch for the Mexican team Diablos Rojos in their Sunday exhibition game with the New York Yankees.

The 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner is attempting to return to Major League Baseball for the first time in three years following his lengthy suspension by MLB and release from the Los Angeles Dodgers after a woman accused him of sexual assault.

Crochet will get opening day start

The Chicago White Sox will hand the ball to Garrett Crochet on opening day, showing their faith in his transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation. The hard-throwing Crochet has made 72 career appearances, but all have come in relief.