Shohei Ohtani Makes Triumphant Return to the Mound in Dodgers Debut

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani made his long-awaited return to pitching on Monday, June 16, 2025, taking the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. This marked Ohtani’s first pitching appearance since August 2023, following his recovery from a second ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery. The game, held at Dodger Stadium, saw the Dodgers secure a 6-3 victory over the Padres.

Ohtani’s return was met with great anticipation, as fans filled the stadium to witness the two-way star’s pitching debut in a Dodgers uniform. In his brief outing, Ohtani pitched one inning, allowing one run on two hits over 28 pitches. His fastball reached a peak velocity of 100.2 mph, showcasing his regained strength on the mound. Despite the limited action, his performance was a significant milestone in his rehabilitation journey.

Offensively, Ohtani continued to contribute significantly. Serving as the designated hitter, he recorded two hits, including a run-scoring double and an RBI single, further solidifying his impact on the game. The Dodgers’ victory was bolstered by a decisive five-run fourth inning, with Max Muncy contributing two RBIs during the rally.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Ohtani’s readiness to return to pitching, stating that Ohtani had indicated he was prepared to take the next step in his recovery. General Manager Brandon Gomes echoed this sentiment, noting that Ohtani’s progress in simulated games signaled it was time to return to Major League play.

Ohtani’s return comes at a crucial time for the Dodgers, who have been dealing with injuries to key pitchers, including Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Ohtani’s ability to contribute both as a pitcher and a designated hitter provides the team with valuable roster flexibility, as he occupies only one roster spot while fulfilling dual roles.

Fans and teammates alike expressed excitement over Ohtani’s return to the mound. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw highlighted the energy surrounding the event, emphasizing the fun and anticipation it brought to the team and supporters.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers plan to monitor Ohtani’s workload carefully, with expectations for him to pitch once a week while continuing his role as a designated hitter. This cautious approach aims to ensure his sustained health and performance throughout the season.

Ohtani’s successful return to pitching, coupled with his ongoing offensive prowess, reinforces his status as one of baseball’s most dynamic and valuable players. His dual-threat capability continues to captivate fans and contribute significantly to the Dodgers’ pursuit of success in the 2025 season.