Roughly four hours prior to the first pitch on a memorable Monday night, Shohei Ohtani settled into his locker at Dodger Stadium, anticipating a moment that had been 663 days in the making. He methodically prepared himself, donning the signature black compression sleeve that had become a familiar part of his pitching attire. With both confidence and eagerness, Ohtani grabbed his bat and a pair of hitting gloves, making his way to the batting cages as he readied himself for dual responsibilities on the field after an extensive hiatus from pitching.
In a thrilling matchup against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani made his much-anticipated return to the mound as a full-time player, a role that had put him in the spotlight during his exceptional run with the Los Angeles Angels from 2021 to 2023. In this game, Ohtani became not only the starting pitcher but also the leadoff hitter, re-establishing the two-way role that has made him one of baseball’s brightest stars.
The atmosphere was electric as Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts reflected on the extraordinary situation, noting, “We saw it from afar when he was with the Angels, but now I have the best seat in the house.” Notably, this was the first instance the Dodgers and their fans would witness Ohtani both pitch and hit after his massive 10-year, $700 million contract with the team, raising expectations sky-high.
This pitching outing, albeit brief, lasted just one inning and encompassed 28 pitches. Ohtani allowed one run on two hits—both singles from well-known players Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez—and surrendered a sacrifice fly from Manny Machado. Despite showcasing a fastball that touched 100 mph, Ohtani acknowledged that he felt a bit out of sync. "I can’t say it’s a good performance results-wise," he mentioned candidly, reflecting on the challenges inherent in resuming his role after a significant elbow surgery.
Command issues were evident as Ohtani missed the strike zone 12 times and struggled to finish off any of his two-strike counts with strikeouts, underscoring the reality that returning from Tommy John surgery comes with both physical and psychological hurdles. However, the moment he completed the inning was not just a sigh of relief but a celebration of resilience, as the captivated crowd of over 53,000 erupted into applause, recognizing the long road he had traveled to get back to that moment.
Roberts praised Ohtani’s courage and skill, stating, "This is a big undertaking… he’s a unicorn.” Initially, the Dodgers had anticipated a more extended absence before seeing Ohtani pitch. As spring training began, there were hopes he could return as early as April or May, but the progress was methodical, requiring meticulous care to balance his offensive and pitching contributions.
The internal talks surrounding Ohtani’s return took a pivotal turn when he impressed coaches in live batting practice sessions, signaling he felt ready for game action. Ohtani’s simple question—"Can I pitch now?"—led to decisive action. The Dodgers decided to position him as an opener for this game, showcasing their confidence in his abilities.
The excitement around Chavez Ravine was palpable as Ohtani emerged to conduct his warm-up in the outfield, garnering the attention of many fans who were eager to witness his return. During the pregame introductions, he was recognized for both roles, reinforcing his two-way prowess, which is unique in modern baseball.
Following his pitching duties, Ohtani seamlessly transitioned to hitting, demonstrating both focus and remarkable stamina. He struck out in his first at-bat but quickly redeemed himself with a critical RBI double in the third inning, subsequently contributing to a five-run rally with an additional RBI single. This performance not only highlighted his dual-threat capabilities but also showcased his resilience and determination.
With emotions running high post-game, Ohtani expressed gratitude. "I have only gratitude… regardless of the results today, I’m really grateful to people who have helped me reach this point," he shared sincerely, emphasizing the team of trainers, doctors, and supporters who assisted him during his rehabilitation.
As the season progresses, Ohtani’s role is expected to evolve gradually, beginning with one or two innings and building towards a more traditional workload. The Dodgers’ management remains cautious, recognizing the thoughtful balance needed to prevent overexertion and ensure Ohtani is in optimal form for the stretch run of the season.
"Taking small bites along the way is incredibly important," remarked general manager Brandon Gomes, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions to monitor Ohtani’s response to returning as a pitcher while also maintaining his offensive contributions.
On that night, witnessing Ohtani pitch was a tantalizing glimpse into the potential future of baseball’s most extraordinary player, satisfying fans’ dreams of seeing him in both roles again. Manager Roberts captured it best when he remarked on Ohtani’s fervor for challenges, stating, "He enjoys the process… and takes pride in being really good at it."
As the Dodgers move forward, each step Ohtani takes on the mound will be watched closely, and fans will continue to embrace the magic he brings to the game. The evening was a heartfelt reminder of Ohtani’s unique talents and the passion he possesses for baseball, making it an unforgettable chapter in his storied career.
