Shohei Ohtani, the iconic Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star, made his long-awaited return to the pitching mound in his first live-game appearance since 2023 on Monday night against the San Diego Padres. The moment was a significant milestone in his recovery from a prolonged elbow injury that had sidelined him for 21 months. Despite the absence, Ohtani was eager to get back on the field, expressing his desire to rebuild his mechanics and feel for the game. His return was met with immense anticipation from fans and fellow players alike, given the rarity of such a comeback in the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball.
During his brief start, Ohtani showed signs of needing some time to regain his rhythm. He allowed one run on two hits in the only inning he pitched and threw a fastball that reached 100.2 mph. However, he also admitted that his nerves were heightened, a natural reaction for a veteran making their return to pitching after such a long absence. His performance was still a major step forward in his rehabilitation process. Off the mound, Ohtani did not disappoint, delivering a strong offensive display at the plate. Going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a walk, and two strikeouts, he contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ 6-3 victory on the night.
Ohtani was more modest about his performance, stating that his goal for the outing was to sit at 95-96 mph, but the intensity of the game allowed him to push harder. He emphasized the importance of getting a feel for his body and how it reacts to the demands of pitching. His comments indicate a careful, methodical approach to his comeback, aiming to build up his workload gradually rather than rushing back into full game action. He also mentioned his hope to extend the duration of his outings in the future, which could help reduce the burden on the rest of the bullpen.
Teammate Max Muncy, the team’s third baseman, praised Ohtani’s ability on the mound, noting that his stuff looked electric. However, Muncy also acknowledged that after such a long layoff from pitching without any rehab games, the command might not yet be fully refined, which was evident in the performance. Despite this, Muncy’s words were a clear sign of confidence in Ohtani’s talent and potential to adapt to the demands of a full season.
The Dodgers’ victory on the night moved them to 44-29 in the season, while the Padres fell to 39-32. With Ohtani back in the mix, fans are now looking to see how he performs in the coming weeks and how he will impact both his pitching and hitting roles in the league. His return is not only a major story for the team but also a significant storyline for the entire NL West division and beyond.