Ohtani strikes out swinging in first two at-bats in Korea

Shohei Ohtani struck out swinging in two at-bats against the Kiwoom Heroes in Seoul on Sunday, falling to a sinker and a fastball in the first two innings before being replaced at designated hitter by Hunter Feduccia in the fourth.

Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter Shohei Ohtani listens the national anthem prior to an exhibition game between the Dodgers and Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in western Seoul on Sunday. [AP/YONHAP]

Shohei Ohtani struck out swinging in two at-bats against the Kiwoom Heroes in Seoul on Sunday, falling to a sinker and a fastball in the first two innings before being replaced at designated hitter by Hunter Feduccia in the fourth.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way threat Ohtani, who will only hit this year after undergoing surgery during the offseason, batted second at Gocheok Sky Dome in western Seoul, but failed to find a way past Kiwoom Heroes starter Jurado Ariel.

Ohtani was sat down after the two at-bats for Feduccia in a decision made before the game began.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the exhibition game Sunday that Ohtani would only get two at-bats at DH. Korean fans will likely get more opportunities to see ShoTime in action, however, as the Dodgers take on the Korean national team on Monday evening before officially starting the 2024 MLB season with a double-header against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday and Thursday.

Speaking to media on Saturday after arriving in Korea, Ohtani said how excited he was to play in Korea.

"Japan and Korea, they've always had a great rivalry when it comes to sports. I've always watched the games between Japan and Korea and I always respected, looked up to Team Korea and the Korean players," Ohtani said according to Yonhap News Agency.

"So being accepted like this and welcomed is a very good feeling," Ohtani added. "And I want to put on a very good show for everyone."

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]