Ohtani expects to get 50 at-bats this spring

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is confident he'll get enough reps at the plate to be ready for Opening Day.

"I feel like I have more than enough time to get to 50 at-bats," Ohtani said Wednesday, according to MLB.com's Juan Toribio.

Ohtani underwent elbow surgery last September and will only serve as a hitter this season.

The 29-year-old took part in live batting practice for the second time this spring on Wednesday.

"I feel like we're right on schedule, which is a really good thing," Ohtani said. "And my body is reacting really well so far. So everything is trending in the right direction."

Ohtani isn't expected to be in the lineup when the Dodgers open up Cactus League action against the San Diego Padres on Thursday.

Los Angeles signed Ohtani to a record-breaking 10-year, $700-million contract as part of a busy offseason in which the club dished out over $1 billion in free agency.