LA's super-slugger Shohei Ohtani isn't resigning to hitting dingers this season. After ruling out a return to pitching post-elbow surgery, the Los Angeles Dodgers all-star plans to launch into a throwing program with the potential to put him back on the field in a defensive role. "Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told ABC News. The start of this program, set to kick off upon the team's return to the States, could land Ohtani in the outfield even if the mound is off-limits.

Despite his hefty $700 million, 10-year contract inked with the Dodgers, when Ohtani might cavort in the field remains up in the air. NBC Los Angeles reports Ohtani's been all about business, even as he caused a stir by bringing his newlywed wife to Seoul for the Dodgers' MLB season opener against the San Diego Padres – notable not just for being the first MLB games played in South Korea, but for featuring Ohtani's friend and former teammate Yu Darvish as the opposing pitcher.

Call it a friendly rivalry or a historic clash, Darvish and Ohtani, once teammates with Japan's Nippon-Ham Fighters, are set to face off for the first time in a regulation game. Darvish, with a 103-85 MLB career mark, told NBC Los Angeles he aims to leave sentiment aside. "Of course, we have trained together in the past, but this time I will be facing him as an opponent," Darvish said, plotting to strategize against Ohtani without adding "too much personal feeling." Meanwhile, Ohtani, carrying a 38-19 record as a major league pitcher, echoes respect. "Darvish is somebody I’ve always looked up to," he told NBC Los Angeles, anticipating the challenge.

As he awaits to test his arm in the field, the Dodgers, and fans alike, will be eyeing Ohtani's ability to juggle his acclaimed batting prowess with readjusting to a role other than a hitter. Until then, Seoul's baseball spectacle gives Ohtani a chance to shine against a friend turned foe.