Dodgers Notebook: Ohtani off to WBC, Vesia returns, Tucker debuts

GLENDALE, Ariz. — There was a little bit of everything at Camelback Ranch: a two-way superstar packing his bags (temporarily), a new slugger settling in, an emotional return to the mound and, oh yeah, another win.

How does 3-0 sound?

The Dodgers remained unbeaten in Cactus League play after taking down the Mariners, with early offense and a crisp inning from Alex Vesia highlighting the afternoon.

But the headliner — as he has been all spring — was Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani off to WBC after busy final day in camp

Ohtani left Dodgers camp Sunday — but not for good. Ohtani threw 33 pitches over two innings of live batting practice, took at-bats in live BP and then addressed the media before preparing to depart for Team Japan ahead of the World Baseball Classic.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the timing.

“He is ready to leave. I don’t know if he is leaving today or tomorrow but today was his last day here in Arizona,” Roberts said. “We’re going to miss him but I’m looking forward to watching him compete for Team Japan.”

Whether Ohtani will have time to pitch in a Cactus League game — perhaps during the Freeway Series — before the regular season remains uncertain.

“I think some of that is contingent on how deep they go (in the WBC) and when we get him back,” Roberts said. “Right now it’s hard to forecast that.”

For now, the Dodgers will watch from afar as their two-way star ramps up on the international stage.

Snell timeline still fluid

There was no substantive update on Blake Snell beyond the fact that he’s throwing off flat ground.

With the spring calendar turning quickly, his Opening Day status is increasingly in question — though the Dodgers aren’t drawing hard lines.

“Time’s ticking, but like I told him the other day, Opening Day is not necessarily a hard and fast target for us,” Roberts said.

In other rotation news, Roki Sasaki is expected to make his first spring start Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, and Tyler Glasnow is lined up for Thursday against the White Sox.

Tucker makes Dodgers debut

Kyle Tucker’s first Cactus League game in Dodger blue was brief but productive. He grounded out to second in his first at-bat, drew a walk in his second plate appearance and later scored a run before calling it a day. Afterward, Tucker sounded like a player focused less on results and more on rhythm.

“I felt pretty good today, just making sure I’m ready for whenever the season comes around.”

As for statistical goals this spring?

“Last year, I got one hit in Spring so hopefully I get more than that,” Tucker said with a grin.

Ultimately, it’s about comfort.

“As long as I get enough reps, enough comfortability out there, the season is in a few weeks so I’ll be alright.”

Vesia’s emotional return

If there was a loudest moment of the afternoon, it belonged to Alex Vesia.

Dodger fans at Camelback Ranch gave Vesia a warm ovation as he took the mound for his first spring appearance, months removed from the family tragedy he endured during last year’s postseason.

Vesia rewarded them with a 1-2-3 inning, throwing 17 pitches, striking out one and flashing his signature intensity.

Interestingly, he admitted the nerves hit earlier in camp.

“I was more nervous in my first live AB’s because Shohei was like, ‘Hey, I want a piece of that.’”

Facing Ohtani in live BP turned into a competitive highlight.

“That was cool. I haven’t competed like that in some time,” Vesia said. “Shohei is the most competitive guy I know and I’m ready for it. That was fun.”

Vesia even struck out Ohtani twice in those sessions — a spring footnote he’ll happily keep.

Undefeated, but building

Three Cactus League games, three wins. The results are nice, but the Dodgers’ focus remains on ramp-ups, returns and reinforcements.

Ohtani is off to represent Japan. Snell is progressing. Sasaki and Glasnow are about to get into game action. Tucker is finding his timing. Vesia is back competing with emotion and edge.

It’s still February baseball in the desert. But the foundation is taking shape.