It wasn’t a perfect performance by Shohei Ohtani.
Pitching for the first time in nearly two years, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar surrendered a run on two hits in one inning against the San Diego Padres.
His command was a bit off after the long layoff, and he threw a wild pitch to the second batter he faced.
But Monday night’s long-awaited return to the mound marked a resounding success for Ohtani and the Dodgers nonetheless.
“Not quite happy with the results overall,” Ohtani said through an interpreter after the Dodgers’ 6-3 win in Los Angeles. “But I think the biggest takeaway for me is that I feel good enough to be able to make the next outing.”
Ohtani demonstrated elite velocity during the 28-pitch outing, maxing out at 100.2 mph.
The right-hander hit at least 98 mph on 13 of his offerings.
“I was aiming to sit 95, 96, but the game intensity really allowed me to throw a little harder,” Ohtani said. “I was able to adjust back to be able to throw 95, 96 against [Xander] Boegarts in the last at-bat.”
The start was Ohtani’s first since Aug. 23, 2023, when he was still a member of the Los Angeles Angels. The two-way sensation underwent right elbow surgery that September, then spent the entire 2024 season — his first with the Dodgers — as a full-time designated hitter.
Pitchers coming back from surgery typically appear in about five minor-league games, but because Ohtani remains Los Angeles’ designated hitter, the Dodgers had to get creative with his rehab.
They deployed Ohtani as an opener on Monday and plan for him to continue to build his pitch count up at the MLB level.
“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 to [start] once a week, hopefully to be able to go a little longer every time I’m out there.”
Ohtani’s return made for a “really positive day for us,” said manager Dave Roberts, who said he would cap the Japanese superstar’s first outing at 30 pitches.
“I thought the stuff was really good,” Roberts said. “Much better, as far as the fastball velocity, than I think anyone anticipated. He hit 100. I was thinking 95 to 97, but I think the competitor and adrenaline came out in him.”
In addition to his four-seam fastball, Ohtani used his sinker, splitter and sweeper.
“I thought he did a great job,” said Dodgers catcher Will Smith. “I’m sure the next time, whenever that is, he’ll be maybe a little better. It’s Shohei, so we expect a whole lot from him.”
Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, also served as the Dodgers’ DH and leadoff hitter on Monday and went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a walk.
The 2023 surgery was Ohtani’s second major elbow operation since 2018.
He also underwent surgery last offseason on his left, non-throwing shoulder for an injury he suffered during the World Series against the Yankees.
“I’m just really grateful,” Ohtani said, “reflecting back on all of the support I’ve received, from the doctor who operated on me to the support staff on the team and everyone who’s supported me along the way.”
