Shohei Ohtani made a promising return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers after recovering from right elbow surgery. In his pitching debut against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani allowed one run and recorded two two-strike hits in just one inning. This outing marked his first appearance on the mound since August 2023 when he played for the Los Angeles Angels.
Despite the modest pitching results, Ohtani made a strong offensive contribution by collecting two hits and driving in two runs, helping the Dodgers secure a 6-3 victory. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reported that Ohtani felt fatigued but overall was in good shape following the game.
Ohtani expressed some dissatisfaction with his pitching performance but highlighted that the important takeaway was his ability to pitch without pain. He threw a total of 28 pitches, 16 of which were strikes, and clocked a fastball at an impressive 100.2 mph—the second-fastest pitch by a Dodgers pitcher this season.
Looking ahead, Roberts indicated that Ohtani’s next appearance could come on the weekend against the Washington Nationals, although they are not rushing him back into a full workload due to the team’s recent injury struggles. The organization is taking a cautious approach to manage Ohtani’s dual role as both a pitcher and a designated hitter.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes emphasized the need to balance Ohtani’s health while keeping him in the lineup as one of their leading hitters. The team faces a unique challenge, navigating injuries within their pitching staff while ensuring Ohtani can contribute effectively.
Amidst injury concerns, the Dodgers are optimistic about the future, with discussions over Ohtani’s workload suggesting a thoughtful plan that prioritizes both his recovery and impact on the team. As Ohtani continues to acclimate to competitive play, fans remain hopeful for his ongoing success and contributions throughout the season.