In an eagerly anticipated return to the mound, Shohei Ohtani showcased his two-way skills in his first pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. This marked Ohtani’s return to Major League Baseball action 21 months after undergoing elbow surgery. The game, played before a full house of 53,207 fans, demonstrated Ohtani’s resolve and exceptional ability, not only as a pitcher but also as a batter.
During the first inning, Ohtani threw 28 pitches, with 16 of them being strikes. The crowd expressed their excitement each time he delivered a fastball, peaking at a remarkable 100.2 mph – the second-fastest pitch recorded by a Dodgers player this season. Commenting on his performance, Ohtani noted through his translator that while he initially aimed for a 95-96 mph range, the intensity of the game pushed him to throw even harder.
When reflecting on his nerves at this pivotal moment, Ohtani admitted to feeling more anxious than when he played solely as a position player. Notably, after retiring Xander Bogaerts to complete the inning, Ohtani chose to stay on the field, putting on batting gloves and stepping into the on-deck circle as he prepared for his batting role.
Although Ohtani struck out against Padres starter Dylan Cease initially, he quickly redeemed himself with a run-scoring double in the third inning, ultimately tying the game at 1-1. Adding to his contributions, Ohtani delivered a two-out RBI single in the fourth inning, widening the Dodgers’ lead to 5-2. His performance at the plate included two hits in four at-bats, alongside a walk and two strikeouts.
Looking forward, Ohtani plans to pitch once a week. He acknowledged the importance of assessing how his body reacts to pitching at such high velocities and expressed a commitment to gradually extending his outings, reducing the burden on the bullpen.
Facing the Padres’ prominent lineup, Ohtani encountered players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Arráez, and Manny Machado. Tatis managed a single and proceeded to second base on Ohtani’s wild pitch. Arráez followed with a single, and Machado’s sacrifice fly brought Tatis home. Ohtani ultimately retired the side with consistent groundouts.
Dodgers teammate Max Muncy praised Ohtani’s performance, describing his pitches as “electric.” However, Muncy also recognized that Ohtani’s command was understandably not at its sharpest due to the long hiatus and lack of rehab games.
Anthony Banda subsequently took over pitching duties in the second inning. Before the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his enthusiasm about witnessing Ohtani’s rare dual-role performance, deeming the situation “bananas.”
Despite his time away from pitching, Ohtani continued wielding his powerful bat in offensive positions for the NL West leaders. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes explained the unique scenario of managing Ohtani’s rehabilitation at the Major League level, driven largely by his persistent on-field contributions.
The challenge for the Dodgers lies in balancing Ohtani’s dual talents, remaining attentive to any potential fatigue while ensuring his powerful bat stays in the lineup. Gomes acknowledges the ongoing dialogue necessary to facilitate this balance, with Ohtani playing a leading role in these discussions.
Prior to the game, Ohtani held an impressive .290 batting average with 25 homers, 41 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases, underlining his crucial position at the top of the Dodgers’ lineup. His presence on the mound, although initially limited in duration, is anticipated to fortify a Dodgers staff reeling from injuries to numerous pitchers.
Ohtani’s triumphant return comes after his key contributions to the Dodgers’ recent World Series title, helping him secure a lucrative $700 million, 10-year contract. Last season, he captured his third MVP award and first in the National League.
The Japan-born superstar last pitched in 2023 for the Los Angeles Angels, boasting a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts over 23 starts. His journey has been marked by challenges, enduring a Tommy John surgery in 2018 and another significant operation on his right elbow in September 2023.
Expressing gratitude for his recovery journey, Ohtani extended thanks to the doctors, support staff, and team members who aided him through his rehabilitation. Monday’s game was not only a testament to Ohtani’s athletic prowess but also to his perseverance and dedication.
Interestingly, Ohtani’s Dodgers pitching debut coincided with the prison commencement of his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara faces nearly five years in federal prison for bank and tax fraud, having stolen almost $17 million from Ohtani.