Ohtani’s Highly Anticipated Return Marks New Chapter for Dodgers

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani made his highly anticipated return to pitching on Monday night after nearly two years of rehabilitation. The 30-year-old two-way star took the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcasing his skills in front of a sold-out crowd at Dodger Stadium.

In his first game back, Ohtani brought high velocity, clocking a fastball at 100.2 mph on his tenth pitch. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed a mix of excitement and caution regarding Ohtani’s speed. “I was just kind of hoping for a more tempered 97, 96 than 100,” Roberts said after the game.

Ohtani pitched one inning, allowing one run on a sacrifice fly after throwing 28 pitches. He also performed well as a designated hitter, going 2-for-4 and driving in two runs. Following the game, Ohtani said, “Not quite happy with the results overall, but I feel good enough to be able to go out for my next outing.”

The crowd’s anticipation was palpable, as a pre-game hype video honored Ohtani’s comeback. He threw warm-up pitches and fired his first pitch, a 97.6 mph sinker, to Fernando Tatis Jr. Fans erupted in cheers, marking the exciting moment as Ohtani took the field.

Ohtani’s return was not just a moment but part of a broader plan as he aims to contribute as both a pitcher and hitter for the Dodgers. General manager Brandon Gomes noted, “We signed him to be a two-way player, and he feels good. This is the next step in his progression.” The team plans for Ohtani to pitch every six to eight days, gradually increasing his innings.

Ohtani’s career has been remarkable, with multiple MVP awards and a standout performance that included a 2.84 ERA and 542 strikeouts over his last three seasons. His journey back to the mound began after undergoing surgery for an ulnar collateral ligament tear in late 2023.

The Dodgers are mindful of his well-being as he embarks on this two-way journey while also maintaining his batting performance. Ohtani’s exceptional talent continues to dazzle fans and teammates alike, with third baseman Max Muncy commenting, “He never stops surprising me. We’ll see how it progresses.”

Looking ahead, Ohtani is optimistic. When asked about his next start, he stated, “That’s my expectation. But I want to see first where my body feels and how it reacts.”