Shohei Ohtani made his long-awaited return to the mound on Monday night, marking his first Major League Baseball pitching start in an astonishing 663 days. This wasn’t just any comeback; it was his first start for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the iconic Dodger Stadium, a place filled with rich history and passionate fans.
The outing was short-lived. Ohtani completed just one inning, throwing 28 pitches. While he struck out the side on a few occasions, he allowed one run on two hits, punctuated by a costly wild pitch. But that wasn’t the end of his contributions—despite the rocky return, the Dodgers clinched a solid 6-3 victory against the San Diego Padres.
Those who have followed Ohtani’s career know he can throw heat. In this game, his pitches were consistently in the high 90s, with two even flirting with or exceeding 100 mph. However, the start was less than ideal; he faced a full count on three of the first four batters and only managed to register 16 strikes. After the game, Ohtani expressed mixed feelings: “I’m not very happy with the results, but I’m very grateful that I’m out here and pitching again,” he shared through his interpreter.
Once he stepped off the mound, Ohtani swiftly transformed back into the role he’s most known for: the designated hitter. In the bottom of the first inning, he led off for the Dodgers, facing Padres starter Dylan Cease. The result? A strikeout that showed he was still settling back into the rhythm of the game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed the excitement that many felt watching Ohtani, saying, “I got the best seat in the house to watch this guy start and then take an at-bat. This is bananas.” It captures the thrill and intrigue that surround Ohtani—certainly a sight to behold as he straddles two roles with remarkable skill.
Before joining the Dodgers, Ohtani put up impressive numbers during his time with the Angels, playing in 71 games where he batted .284, knocking in 13 homers alongside 13 doubles and three triples. On this particular night, he didn’t just return as a pitcher; he also made a mark offensively, doubling home a run in the third inning and adding a single during a decisive five-run fourth that turned the game in the Dodgers’ favor.
Ohtani finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk. As Roberts revealed, they had discussed Ohtani’s hitting role after pitching the first inning, and Ohtani was completely onboard: “No problem. I’m good with it.” It’s a testament to his confidence and determination as a two-way player, even amid the scrutiny of a comeback.
On the mound, Ohtani played an essential role in what has become a string of bullpen games for the Dodgers. With 14 pitchers currently sidelined due to injury, including eight starters, the team had to rely on seven pitchers throughout the game.
For Ohtani, the journey back to the pitcher’s mound has been a long and arduous road, especially considering he has undergone two elbow surgeries. The baseball world has watched in awe as he won back-to-back league MVPs—first in the American League for the Angels in 2023, and later another in the National League for the Dodgers last season. His accolades have only fueled fans’ anticipation for his return.
He recently became a World Series champion with the Dodgers and signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract, a staggering figure that underscores his exceptional value to the league.
As for what lies ahead, there’s a lot of speculation about how the Dodgers will utilize Ohtani moving forward. Monday night’s game was just the 87th pitching start of his career, but his first since August 23, 2023. Dodgers general manager Brendon Gomes shared his insights on future outings, noting, “The main goal is obviously to have him strong down the stretch run and through October.” He emphasized the importance of discussions around Ohtani’s performance after each outing to ensure he’s in peak condition when the postseason arrives.
For fans and sports enthusiasts alike, watching Ohtani navigate this complex journey is both exhilarating and emotional. There’s a collective understanding that every step he takes, every pitch he throws, and every at-bat he faces is a testament to resilience, passion, and the thrill of the game.
Image Source: Conor P. Fitzgerald / Shutterstock
