On Monday night, just four hours before the first pitch, Shohei Ohtani found himself in the Dodger Stadium clubhouse, gearing up for what many deemed his most significant game of the season. The reigning MVP sat at his locker, carefully unwrapping the black compression sleeve he typically wears while pitching, sliding it over his prized right arm. Afterward, he reached for his bat and hitting gloves, heading toward the batting cages as each piece of equipment would play a vital role in this historic evening. For the first time in nearly two years, Ohtani was set to showcase his talents on both sides of the game.
In the Dodgers' 6-3 victory against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani made a highly anticipated return to the mound after undergoing a Tommy John surgery in September 2023. This marked his debut as a starting pitcher in a Dodgers uniform while simultaneously serving as the leadoff hitter. Although his pitching stint was brief—lasting just one inning and 28 pitches—Ohtani made a significant impact. He allowed one run on two hits, which included singles from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez, along with a sacrifice fly from Manny Machado.
During his outing, Ohtani's fastball touched 100 mph, yet his command showed signs of rust. The right-hander missed the strike zone 12 times, including a wild pitch, and despite achieving three swing-and-misses, he was unable to secure a strikeout in any of his five two-strike counts. However, the moment he retired the side was met with palpable relief, as his climbing pitch count prompted action in the bullpen. Despite the challenges, the occasion was significant; it was the first time Ohtani pitched in a major league game since August 2023, proving that his arm still has plenty of life even after a second career Tommmy John surgery.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the immense physical and psychological challenges Ohtani faced in this remarkable undertaking, referring to him as a "unicorn." Initially, it seemed the Dodgers would have to wait at least another month before witnessing Ohtani on the mound again. Although there was optimism before spring training regarding his potential return in April or May, the team opted for caution, targeting a post-All-Star break return for his pitching duties.
Recently, however, the team's strategy began to evolve. Ohtani impressed coaches during three live batting practice sessions, eventually building up to three innings and 44 pitches in his most recent session. He expressed concerns about the physical toll that pitching several innings during the day and then transitioning to designated hitter duties that evening had on his body. Brandon Gomes, the team's general manager, noted that there was no playbook for managing a player with Ohtani's unique skill set, emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication.
Ohtani's readiness to return to the mound led to pivotal discussions within the team. He conveyed his eagerness to pitch again, asking, "Can I pitch now?" The Dodgers ultimately decided that the answer was yes, slotting him in as an opener for Monday's game against the Padres. According to Gomes, the decision stemmed from a realization that it was time to take the next step in Ohtani's recovery, allowing him to finish his rehabilitation at the major league level.
Ohtani's return to pitching created a buzz at Chavez Ravine. Fans flocked to the left-field line as he began warming up around 6:30 p.m. During his pregame bullpen session, spectators leaned over the railing to catch a glimpse of the two-way star. In an unprecedented move, Ohtani was introduced twice during pregame announcements: once as the starting pitcher and again as the designated hitter. This unique distinction, established by MLB rules to accommodate two-way players, allowed him to continue hitting after leaving the mound.
After completing the top of the first inning, Ohtani did not even step into the dugout; instead, he received his batting equipment from a ball boy before leading off the bottom half of the frame. Although he struck out in his first at-bat, he quickly made an impact, tying the score with an RBI double in the third inning and contributing to a five-run rally against Padres starter Dylan Cease in the fourth with an RBI single.
Moving forward, Ohtani is expected to continue serving as an opener approximately once per week, gradually building up to two innings, then three, and so forth, until he can handle a traditional starter's workload. The Dodgers remain cautious about pushing him too hard on the mound, especially as the season approaches its critical stretch. Gomes reiterated the importance of monitoring Ohtani's health, emphasizing that they will take "small bites along the way" as they assess the best plan for his return to two-way play.
For one night, witnessing Ohtani pitch was a moment to cherish. Manager Roberts expressed his excitement, noting that he felt privileged to observe Ohtani's extraordinary talent up close. As the season continues, fans and teammates alike eagerly anticipate more unforgettable moments from this remarkable player.
