Shohei Ohtani had already showcased his immense talent with the Los Angeles Dodgers in his first year with the team. However, his long-awaited return to the mound was the moment everyone had been eagerly anticipating. After 22 months of recovery, including a second major surgery on his right elbow, Ohtani took the mound on Monday night in a 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres, marking his first big league pitching start since joining the Dodgers.
The anticipation was high as Ohtani stepped on the mound for the first time in over a year, in front of a packed Dodger Stadium crowd. Fans, many sporting No. 17 jerseys, cheered wildly as he jogged out to the mound, with the energy in the stadium reflecting the significance of the moment. Ohtani had not pitched since his recovery began, making this appearance a truly special occasion.
“I’m just really grateful, reflecting back on all the support that I received from the doctors that operated on me, the support staff, the team, and everybody who supported me along the way,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton, according to MLB.com. “I’m just grateful that, aside from the results, to be able to show and be grateful for the moment I had today.”
A strong start despite the nerves
Ohtani’s first inning on the mound wasn’t without its challenges. He allowed one run but settled in after allowing back-to-back singles to Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez. After recording his first out on a sacrifice fly by Manny Machado, Ohtani induced two groundouts to escape further damage. His fastball reached an impressive 100.2 mph, tying it as the second-fastest pitch for the Dodgers this season.
“I was aiming to sit 95-96, but the game intensity really allowed me to throw a little harder,” Ohtani shared after the inning. Despite some nerves, his performance reflected his readiness to return to the mound, showcasing the raw talent that has made him a two-way legend.
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Ohtani’s game wasn’t over after his pitching duties. Taking the leadoff spot, Ohtani struck out in his first at-bat, but later made up for it with a game-tying double in the third inning. This game marked his 12th career start as a pitcher and leadoff hitter, joining an exclusive group of just four players since 1900 to do so. Ohtani now finds himself among the likes of Cesar Tovar (1968), Al Dark (1953), and Jim Jones (1901), each of whom only did so once in their careers.
Being a two-way player is nothing new for Ohtani, but for the Dodgers and their fans, seeing him fully activated as both a pitcher and a hitter is an extraordinary spectacle. Ohtani acknowledged the unique nature of this experience for both himself and the team.
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“I did hit 100 today, so I want to see first where my body feels and how it reacts,” Ohtani said. “But the expectation is for me to go once a week, hopefully to be able to go a little longer every time I’m out there so that the bullpen won’t be so taxed.”
