After almost two years out as a pitcher, Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound in an official Major League Baseball game with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His comeback came against the San Diego Padres in a brief but revealing outing: just one inning of work, but enough to show that he is ready to compete. This outing marked a crucial step in his rehabilitation process following his second ulnar collateral ligament surgery.
In that inning, Ohtani faced six batters. He began by giving up consecutive singles to Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez, and then allowed a run on a sacrifice fly by Manny Machado. He got his first out after 18 pitches, and then dominated with groundouts to Gavin Sheets and Xander Bogaerts to close the inning. He did not record any strikeouts, but his velocity was remarkable. Eighteen of his 28 pitches were over 98 mph, with a maximum of 100.2 mph, above his personal expectation of 95-96 mph for this first outing.
Ohtani’s message that resonated beyond the field
The focus was not only on his performance, but also on what he said at the end of the game. With just two words, Shohei Ohtani sent a warning to the entire league: “I’m back”. The phrase, inspired by The Expendables but with clear roots in Terminator, was a cinematic nod with symbolic overtones. It was not a simple statement, it was a promise that his dominance as a pitcher will return with a vengeance.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the decision to return came directly from the player himself. “He’s ready to pitch in a Major League game. He let us know,” he said. Although Ohtani did not show his full repertoire, he prioritized the fastball and body control, and made it clear that this return is progressive. “I want to see how my body feels and how it reacts. The expectation is to pitch once a week and gradually add innings,” explained the Japanese.
A two-way performance that keeps the Dodgers on top
While his pitching was making waves, Ohtani also shone as a designated hitter. He was instrumental in the Dodgers’ offense by driving in two runs, one in the third inning and another in the fourth, helping to generate a five-run rally. His dual impact, on the mound and at the plate, continues to be an invaluable resource for the Angels, especially thanks to his “two-way player” status, which does not take up an additional pitcher spot.
This return could not come at a better time for the Dodgers, whose rotation has been severely affected by injuries. With 14 pitchers out, including the likes of Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, the team needs alternatives. Ohtani not only fills a strategic need, but also raises the competitive level with his presence alone. His track record on the mound, with a 38-19 record, 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts, supports what he can bring in this second stint as a starter with Los Angeles.
The 6-3 victory over the Padres was completed by Ben Casparius and a bullpen that responded solidly. Beyond the result, the important thing was the message. Shohei Ohtani is ready to pitch again at the highest level, and his rehabilitation process is progressing successfully. His presence allows the Dodgers to maintain flexibility on the roster without compromising pitching quality.
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