LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani’s long-awaited return to the mound came full circle Monday night at Dodger Stadium, where the two-way superstar served as the opener for the Dodgers in a 6–3 win over the San Diego Padres. It marked his first pitching appearance in over 650 days—and his first ever in Dodger Blue.
Ohtani threw 28 pitches in one inning of work, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out none and walking none. Though the results weren’t perfect, the significance of the moment wasn’t lost on him.
“Result-wise, I can’t say it was a great outing,” Ohtani said after the game, “but just being able to finish the inning and feel like I can pitch again next time—that’s a big first step forward.”
The 29-year-old admitted to feeling more nervous than usual. “Yeah, I was more nervous than I am when I’m hitting,” he said with a smile.
Ohtani’s adrenaline clearly played a role early on, as he consistently hit 98 to 100 mph with his fastball. “I was aiming to throw around 95 or 96, but once you’re on the mound in a real game, the intensity just lifts you up. That’s probably why the velocity ticked up.”
He added that by the time he faced the final batter of the inning, Xander Bogaerts, he had found his rhythm. “I was able to relax and hit the zone where I wanted, so I think that was one positive takeaway.”
Ohtani’s outing was never meant to be long. Monday night was more of a test—a checkpoint in his recovery journey following his second Tommy John surgery. “It was the first time I’ve thrown close to 100% effort since the surgery,” he said. “So now I want to see how my arm reacts tomorrow.”
He also shared that the plan is to pitch about once a week moving forward, with a gradual increase in innings. “Hopefully, if I can keep going a little longer each time, it’ll help reduce the burden on the bullpen.”
Ohtani didn’t just contribute on the mound. He also delivered two RBIs at the plate, helping the Dodgers build an early lead. Reflecting on his dual role, he noted that pitching before hitting actually helped him feel more locked in offensively. “Since my body was already warm from pitching, it felt smoother stepping into the batter’s box. In some ways, it felt better than just being the DH.”
Asked what it meant to be back on the mound in front of a home crowd, Ohtani grew reflective. “I really just feel grateful,” he said. “To the doctor who performed the surgery, the trainers, the staff—everyone who’s supported me along the way. Tonight wasn’t just about the result. I wanted to show my appreciation by being out there again.”
While the line in the box score may not tell the full story, Ohtani’s brief but meaningful return reminded fans—and the league—of what’s possible when the most unique player in baseball history is healthy again.
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