Shohei Ohtani Hits 100 MPH in Dodgers Pitching Debut, Allows One Run in Return to MLB Mound
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani officially resumed his role as a two-way superstar Monday night, making his long-awaited return to the mound in a Dodgers uniform for the first time since 2023. Pitching against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani threw 28 pitches in one inning, allowing one run on two hits while flashing electric velocity and showing signs of rust in his 2025 pitching debut.
Ohtani topped out at 100.2 mph, averaging 99.1 mph on his fastball, and featured a mix of four-seamers, sinkers, and sweepers. Despite some command issues, the elite velocity was a clear signal that the 29-year-old’s stuff remains world-class following elbow and shoulder surgeries that sidelined him for over a year.
His return to the mound came 663 days after his last major league appearance as a pitcher. Ohtani wasted no time making an impression, with his first pitch clocking in at 97.6 mph and his fastest — a wild pitch — reaching 100.2 mph. He recorded one groundout and induced weak contact, though the Padres managed to push across a run on a sacrifice fly.
Ohtani’s Unique Two-Way Impact Resumes
Immediately after finishing his inning on the mound, Ohtani didn’t head to the dugout — instead, he grabbed his gear and stepped into the batter’s box as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter. Thanks to MLB’s 2022 rule change allowing two-way players to remain in the game as designated hitters, Ohtani was able to continue contributing offensively after his short outing.
Though he struck out swinging in his first at-bat against Padres ace Dylan Cease, Ohtani bounced back later with a pair of RBI hits in his next plate appearances.
Dodgers Prioritize Ohtani’s Recovery While Keeping His Bat in the Lineup
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that the plan was always to limit Ohtani to one or two innings as he works his way back to full pitching form. While most pitchers recovering from surgery would undergo a minor league rehab assignment, the Dodgers opted to have Ohtani pitch in a controlled setting at the major league level to ensure his bat remained available for their everyday lineup.
Ohtani’s return featured a balanced pitch mix, including nine four-seam fastballs and eight sinkers — a notable development in his evolving repertoire. Though he notched just three swings and misses, the shape and movement of his pitches were promising signs that his elite form is returning.
A New Chapter in a Historic Career
Now with the Dodgers and fresh off a $700 million contract and a 50 HR/50 SB season, Ohtani’s debut was more than just a test of physical readiness — it marked the next stage in what has already become one of the most remarkable careers in baseball history.
With more outings ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching how Ohtani continues to ramp up his pitching workload and integrate into a Dodgers rotation already stacked with talent.
