LOS ANGELES — By the time the gates opened Saturday morning at Dodger Stadium, it already felt like baseball season again.

With pitchers and catchers set to report on February 13, the Dodgers officially turned the page to 2026 by hosting Dodger Fest, a fan-friendly kickoff that mixed optimism, honesty and just enough intrigue to remind everyone why this roster continues to be the envy of the sport.

The biggest headline of the day came from manager Dave Roberts, who confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic — a decision that came straight from Ohtani himself.

“Well he’s not gonna pitch in the WBC,” Roberts said. “But he will be ramping up his arm to get ready for the season.”

That clarification mattered. Ohtani won’t be taking the mound in March, but he will be a full participant as a designated hitter during the tournament. More importantly for the Dodgers, Ohtani confirmed he’ll open the regular season as a two-way player, giving Los Angeles its first full year of the unicorn experience.

That news also cushions a rotation that may be without Blake Snell on Opening Day.

Snell admitted his shoulder bothered him throughout the postseason after a heavy workload, though nothing required more than physical therapy and rest. The Dodgers will take a cautious approach this spring.

He’ll be slow-played, but Snell made it clear the goal remains the same. As far as Opening Day?

“That’s the plan.” Snell said.

While Ohtani will stay stateside as a pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is going the opposite direction. After carrying a heavy load during the playoffs, Yamamoto still feels strong enough to represent Japan in the WBC.

“Yoshi feels that he wants to take it on, feels good and we support it,” Roberts said.

Roki Sasaki, however, will not pitch in the tournament — a decision made by the organization, reflecting a more measured approach with the young right-hander.

On the position-player side, Tommy Edman offered encouraging news after offseason surgery on his right ankle that addressed ligament damage and bone spurs. His spring will be gradual, but the progress has been steady.

“Ankle is feeling great,” Edman said. “I’ve hit every checkpoint along the way in the recovery.”

Opening Day remains a possibility — not a promise, but not out of reach either.

Freddie Freeman, fresh off back-to-back World Series titles, looked as relaxed as anyone at Dodger Fest. For him, the best part of the offseason was simple.

“I’m excited, the offseason has been good, no rehabbing so that’s nice,” Freeman said.

He also couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the Dodgers’ latest additions, especially Kyle Tucker.

“When you signed Edwin you’re like, oh that’s great,” Freeman said. “Then all of a sudden Kyle comes along a couple of weeks ago and you’re like, geez, okay. Talking about it makes me smile. It’s great for the fans and LA.”

Freeman called Tucker “one of the best players in the game” and believes the transition will be smooth, thanks to the depth surrounding him in the lineup.

One of the more unexpected and uplifting moments of the day came from River Ryan, who made a surprise appearance after missing all of last season following Tommy John surgery.

Ryan said he’s added 30 pounds over the past five months and now sits at 225, part of a rehab process that’s left him feeling stronger than ever.

“I feel great, I feel healthy, feel strong and ready to go,” Ryan said.

The added weight has translated to more velocity — and maybe even a mystery pitch.

“I’m able to throw a lot harder, a lot easier,” Ryan said. “Putting on some weight has helped me in that process.”

As for that rumored seventh pitch?

“I’m still gonna wait,” Ryan said with a grin. “People are gonna see at spring training.”

There was also a family angle. The Dodgers recently signed Ryan’s brother, Ryder, to a minor league deal — something River called a dream come true. The two haven’t played together since high school and, yes, they’ll be roommates in spring training.

Dalton Rushing also shared his plans for 2026, entering his first full season with the big club. The backup catcher will see time at first base when Freeman gets days off — something Rushing embraced without hesitation.

“I really plan to play any position they ask,” he said.

And then there’s the one name still hanging out there: Kiké Hernández.

Miguel Rojas made it clear he expects the postseason hero to be back.

“I’m in constant communication with Kiké,” Rojas said. “I have no doubt that he’s gonna be back. Everybody in this clubhouse wants him back.”

Dodger Fest wasn’t about answers to every question. It rarely is. But it did what it always does — reconnect the team with its fans and set the tone for what’s ahead.

Spring training is almost here. The roster is stacked. And once again, the Dodgers enter the season with expectations as high as the Southern California sun.

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