LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2025
## Shohei’s Mound Return: A Dodgers‘ Delight
*Shohei Ohtani’s highly anticipated return to the pitcher’s mound in a Dodgers uniform was a momentous occasion, captivating fans adn signaling a new chapter for the team.*
- Shohei Ohtani pitched for the Dodgers for the first time as signing his contract.
- His fastball touched 100 mph in his return.
- Ohtani’s command was rusty,but he’s focused on the next step.
After a 663-day wait, the two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound for the Dodgers, marking a meaningful moment for the team in their 6-3 victory against the San Diego Padres on Monday.
Before the game, the reigning MVP prepared at his locker, unwrapping his compression sleeve and grabbing his bat, ready for both pitching and hitting. The crowd of 53,207 fans witnessed not only his two-way skills but also his remarkable arsenal, even after elbow surgery. Dave Roberts, the manager, was thrilled, stating it was “bananas.”
Ohtani’s fastball reached 100 mph, showcasing his recovery and power. Even though his command was a bit shaky,he managed to strike out three batters in his one-inning appearance.
This opened the door for his pitching return. “Can I pitch now?” Roberts recalled Ohtani asking.
Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers against the Padres on Monday.
Ohtani said that there were two options: gradually increasing innings in live batting practice or pitching shorter innings with appropriate strength. He described feeling grateful. Teammates were also there to show their support.
In his return to pitching, Ohtani was announced as both the starting pitcher and designated hitter. After his pitching inning, he went straight to the batter’s box without even a drink of water. His teammate Max Muncy said that’s “really hard to do.”
Shohei Ohtani batting for the Dodgers.
The focus now shifts to Ohtani’s long-term integration. the dodgers are managing his playing time carefully as he recovers from surgery, balancing the desire to utilize his unique skills with the need to protect his health. Ongoing monitoring of his performance-on the mound and at the plate-will be critical for assessing his progress and making necessary adjustments to playing time and training. The Dodgers’ approach to Ohtani’s recovery and management will likely set a precedent for how other teams handle similar two-way players in the future. The team is preparing for a marathon, not a sprint, emphasizing the value of Ohtani’s sustained contributions over the course of the season.
