Sports writer

Bill Plunkett

Bill Plunkett graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He has worked for daily newspapers as a sportswriter since 1983, in Southern California since 1987 and at the Orange County Register since 1999.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pauses between pitches during a spring training bullpen session last month in Glendale, Ariz. Ohtani threw four bullpen sessions in a little over a week, but he has not thrown off a mound since Feb. 25, continuing to play catch and throw on flat ground. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

No ‘template’ for bringing Shohei Ohtani back as pitcher, says Los Angeles Dodgers coach Mark Prior

March 10, 2025 at 7:45 a.m.

The decision to pause Shohei Ohtani’s throwing program was made with an understanding of how unique his situation is, Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior says.

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani hits a foul ball during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Shohei Ohtani’s first walkoff hit as a Los Angeles Dodger beats the Cincinnati Reds in extra innings

May 19, 2024 at 11:00 p.m.

Shohei Ohtani Day became a four-day weekend in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani watches his groundout during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Saturday, May 11, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani leaves game early with back tightness

May 12, 2024 at 8:51 a.m.

When the Dodgers headed onto the field for the handshake line after their 5-0 victory over the San Diego Padres on Saturday night, Shohei Ohtani wasn’t there.

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, right, and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara sit in the dugout during the season opener against the San Diego Padres on March 20, 2024 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Shohei Ohtani era with Dodgers now includes gambling scandal

March 21, 2024 at 4:28 p.m.

The team is tight-lipped before Thursday's game, one day after Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired amid accusations of “massive theft.”

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, second from left, congratulates Teoscar Hernandez after the Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 5-2 in their season opener Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea . (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Dodgers rally to win season opener over Padres in Seoul

March 21, 2024 at 9:54 a.m.

Three singles, two walks and a broken glove for a bizarre error lead to a 4-run 8th inning and a 5-2 victory in Shohei Ohtani's first game as a Dodger

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani prepares for their exhibition game against the Korean national team on Monday at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea. Six months after his second elbow surgery, the two-way star has been cleared to start a throwing program when the team returns to the United States. He is still not expected to pitch until 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani cleared to begin throwing program later this week

March 18, 2024 at 6:07 p.m.

Six months after his second elbow surgery, the two-way star will start a throwing program when the Dodgers return to L.A. after the South Korea trip. He still is not...

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani attends a news conference ahead of a workout at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Dodgers bring their star power – topped by Shohei Ohtani – to Seoul Series

March 16, 2024 at 8:08 p.m.

Ohtani creates a stir by bringing his new wife on the trip, but the added media attention is going to be a way of life for the Dodgers this season.

Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, shown signing autographs for fans before a Cactus League game against the Chicago White Sox earlier this month in Glendale, Ariz., figures to be the focus of a lot of attention when the team spends the next week in South Korea. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Dodgers depart for South Korea and opportunity to expand the brand

March 14, 2024 at 2:33 p.m.

For the second time in the past 11 seasons, the team will open the regular season with games on a different continent, this time facing the Padres twice next week...

Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto warms up as he participates in spring training workouts Tuesday, March. 5, 2024, at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s ‘Yada Sensei’ gaining disciples at Dodgers camp

March 11, 2024 at 8:33 a.m.

The unique daily workouts have obviously paid off for the three-time MVP in Japan, and some of his new teammates like Mookie Betts are intrigued.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani smiles as he speaks to reporters on the first day of spring training workouts on Friday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Shohei Ohtani set to make his Dodgers’ Cactus League debut at DH vs. White Sox on Tuesday

February 26, 2024 at 1:08 p.m.

Shohei Ohtani will see his first game action with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. He is expected to start at DH against the Chicago White Sox.

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