Shohei Ohtani returned to the pitching mound after a 663-day absence, making his highly anticipated pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. This comeback marked a significant milestone following his surgery last year, and he shared a brief but powerful message to fans afterward.
Ohtani, who holds the title of reigning National League MVP, had not pitched since sustaining an injury in August 2023 that required surgery and sidelined him for the 2024 season. Speculation about his return to two-way play hovered all offseason, and the Dodgers announced on Sunday that Ohtani would pitch against the San Diego Padres in Monday’s game.
Shohei Ohtani’s Return to the Mound: Highlights and Performance Details
In his first pitching appearance for the Dodgers, Ohtani threw just one inning, allowing one run and two hits. Despite the brief outing, his velocity impressed fans and analysts alike. Several of his pitches exceeded 98 mph, with one clocked at an exceptional 100.2 mph, showcasing the star’s raw power.
Beyond pitching, Ohtani also contributed offensively by tying the game in the third inning with an RBI double. His performance helped lead the Dodgers to a 6-3 victory over the Padres, securing the first win of the series against their division rivals.
After the game, Ohtani posted a carousel of images from the match on his Instagram, accompanied by a simple yet impactful two-word message: “I’m back.”
Calls to Celebrate Ohtani’s Unique Two-Way Abilities Despite Mixed Reactions
Ohtani’s return to pitching reignited fan enthusiasm, as well as some skepticism, given his inning-long appearance. Having maintained his role as both a pitcher and batter in Major League Baseball, he remains one of the few players practicing this demanding two-way style. Monday’s game marked his first combined pitching and batting appearance since 2023.
This distinctive skill has drawn both admiration and criticism. Some fans have targeted the MLB for what they perceive as bias against Ohtani and the Dodgers, particularly relating to media attention and treatment. However, several voices within the baseball community have urged fans to focus on the marvel of his unique talents.
MLB analyst Ben Verlander, a former Detroit Tigers pitcher and four-time All-Star, addressed the mixed reactions on social media, encouraging fans to appreciate Ohtani’s extraordinary career.
“You can get mad at all the publicity he’s getting. You can laugh that he gave up a run. But at the end of the day we should all marvel at what Shohei Ohtani is doing. If you love baseball you love what he’s doing. And I’m so happy he’s back. Embrace this while we have it” —Ben Verlander, MLB Analyst
Former Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara Begins Prison Sentence Amidst Ohtani’s Big Moment
Coinciding with Ohtani’s pitching comeback, his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara began serving a lengthy prison sentence on the same day. Mizuhara was sentenced in February 2025 to 57 months in federal prison for allegedly stealing approximately $17 million from Ohtani’s accounts.
The theft case surfaced in 2024 when Mizuhara was arrested following investigations into unauthorized bank withdrawals. Reports revealed that Mizuhara used Ohtani’s funds to cover significant gambling debts and even impersonated him in an attempt to wire transfer $200,000. An audio recording released by the Department of Justice confirmed these activities.
Mizuhara is currently incarcerated in a federal facility in Pennsylvania and is scheduled for deportation to Japan upon completing his sentence. After Mizuhara’s arrest, the Dodgers appointed Will Ireton, the Director of Japanese Player Operations and Strategy, as Ohtani’s new interpreter.
“Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter who was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison, has been incarcerated in a federal prison in Pennsylvania.” —@OhayoMybrother, Social Media Account
The Broader Impact of Ohtani’s Return on Baseball and Fans
Shohei Ohtani’s return as a two-way player for the Dodgers carries significant meaning for baseball fans and the league. His ability to pitch at high velocity while maintaining strong batting capabilities challenges traditional player roles and reinvigorates interest in a rare style of play.
While some skepticism remains regarding his durability and the future logistics of his two-way participation, Ohtani’s presence energizes the Dodgers’ roster and instantly raises the stakes within the National League. His performance, even in a limited pitching role, affirms his status as a dynamic and transformative figure within the sport.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Ohtani can maintain this demanding balancing act and how the Dodgers will utilize his unique talents in their pursuit of championship success.