LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani made his much-anticipated pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in front of a sold-out crowd at Dodger Stadium on a warm Monday evening. Facing the San Diego Padres, Ohtani took to the mound for the first time since 2023, when he last pitched for the Los Angeles Angels before undergoing a second Tommy John surgery. This start was a testament to his resilience and highlighted his continued prowess as a formidable pitcher.
Ohtani’s return saw him throw 28 pitches in just one inning, allowing one run on two hits. Despite these results, the highlight of his pitching was his velocity; his fastball reached an impressive 100 mph. Additionally, he displayed a well-executed sinker, demonstrating his ability to maintain his diverse pitching repertoire. His first pitch, a 97 mph sinker, was fouled off by Fernando Tatis Jr., setting the tone for his comeback.
Reflecting on the outing, Ohtani expressed mixed feelings but emphasized optimism for future performances. “I’m very greatful for all of the staff members, and the people who supported me throughout this whole process. I’m very greatful and happy to be back pitching again. Not quite happy with the results overall,” he admitted through his translator, Will Ireton. “I think the biggest takeaway for me is that I feel good enough to be able to make the next outing.”
While his debut was brief, as expected, Ohtani’s ability to record three outs, including two groundouts, provided a glimpse of his potential impact on the Dodgers’ pitching lineup. His performance was met with anticipation and excitement from fans eager to see him back on the field and baseball analysts who have long awaited his return to the mound.
Shohei Ohtani’s return not only marks a new chapter with the Dodgers but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. With his first outing completed successfully, the baseball community eagerly watches as Ohtani defies expectations and strives for excellence in his pitching and hitting pursuits.
