Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ standout two-way player, made his highly anticipated pitching debut against Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres on Monday. This marked Ohtani’s first time pitching since he underwent Tommy John surgery last year and endured nearly 18 months of recovery and rehabilitation.
Facing Tatis Jr., the Padres’ leadoff hitter, Ohtani encountered an intense battle at the plate. After a fouled-off first pitch, Ohtani threw three balls to bring the count to 3-1. He then unleashed a 98 mph four-seam fastball that made Tatis miss, electrifying the crowd and signaling a strong return to form.
Key Moments in the Duel Against Fernando Tatis Jr.
Despite the impressive fastball, Tatis eventually succeeded, delivering a single off a 99 mph fastball to right field to lead off the inning. Ohtani then struggled with control as a wild pitch allowed Tatis to advance to second base. Following that, a single by Luis Arraez moved Tatis to third, setting the stage for a run.
Padres star Manny Machado provided the clutch hit with a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Tatis home to score the game’s first run.
Strategic Decision: Ohtani Removed After First Inning
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts chose not to send Ohtani back out for the second inning, opting to replace him with Ben Casparius. This cautious approach was expected given Ohtani’s recent return from Tommy John surgery. Unlike many pitchers who build back arm strength through minor league rehab starts, Ohtani resumed pitching directly in a major league game.
With Ohtani’s value as a hitter and designated hitter, Roberts prioritized protecting him from injury, especially since the Dodgers do not currently need him to pitch extended innings. Following his outing on the mound, Ohtani immediately returned to his role as designated hitter for the Dodgers against the Padres.
Impact of Ohtani’s Return to Dodger Pitching Staff
Ohtani’s comeback is a significant boost for the Dodgers, who are managing 14 pitchers on their injured list. His ability to throw in the high 90s speed range confirms that his velocity remains near pre-injury levels. Before Monday, Ohtani last pitched on August 23, 2023, when he exited after just 1.1 innings.
The Dodgers and their fans are hopeful that Ohtani’s successful return to pitching marks the beginning of a full recovery and sustained contribution on the mound, enhancing their rotation during a critical stretch of the season.