The highly anticipated pitching debut of Shohei Ohtani at PNC Park didn’t happen. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way sensation was scratched from his scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Dodger fans, Pirates fans, and just about every baseball lover had circled this matchup. But just hours before first pitch, manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani wasn’t feeling well.
Instead of taking the mound, the Japanese superstar served only as the designated hitter for Game 2 of the series. That left a lingering sense of what could’ve been.
Shohei Ohtani’s First PNC Park Start Postponed
For Pittsburgh baseball fans, this was supposed to be a rare treat — seeing Ohtani, arguably the game’s most unique talent in a century, pitch for the first time at their home park. As game day unfolded, news broke that Ohtani felt “under the weather” during his pregame bullpen session.
The team kept him off the mound as a precaution, especially since he’s just recently returned to pitching after elbow surgery. The Dodgers already draw plenty of attention, but Ohtani’s presence was expected to bring in an even bigger crowd.
His blend of elite pitching and power hitting has made him a transcendent figure. He captivates fans well outside the usual baseball audience.
His 2025 Return to the Mound
Ohtani’s 2025 season marks his comeback as a pitcher after his second major elbow surgery. Through his first 32.1 innings, he’s posted a 4.18 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts.
Those numbers might not match his best years, but his fastball velocity and movement still rank among the game’s most feared. The Dodgers have managed his workload carefully, always eyeing his long-term durability.
Past Clashes with the Pirates
This wasn’t Ohtani’s first meeting with Pittsburgh, though he’s faced them only a handful of times. Last season, Dodgers fans probably remember his famous at-bats against rookie phenom Paul Skenes.
In one electrifying matchup, Skenes struck him out on three straight fastballs. A couple days later, Ohtani got his revenge with a home run off Skenes — just another moment in his growing legend.
The 2023 Duel at Angel Stadium
On the mound, Ohtani’s history vs. Pittsburgh is brief but eventful. His only career start against the Pirates came in 2023, when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels.
He picked up the win but gave up five runs over 6.1 innings. The highlight — or maybe lowlight, depending on who you ask — was Henry Davis belting two home runs off him.
Even in defeat, Pittsburgh hitters had their moments against the superstar.
The Impact of Ohtani’s Absence
Ohtani’s absence from the pitcher’s mound felt like a loss for both fan bases. The Dodgers missed a chance to show off their biggest star in a new ballpark, and Pirates fans missed a front-row seat to something special.
For plenty of people in the stands, this game was as much about seeing Ohtani as it was about the final score.
Looking Ahead in the Series
Even though his start was postponed, Ohtani will still play a role as a hitter in this series. His spot in the batting order isn’t exactly a consolation prize — the reigning MVP remains one of the most feared hitters in baseball.
Maybe, if you’re patient, Ohtani will finally make his PNC Park pitching debut in a future season. That day will surely be just as hyped as this one.
Key Takeaways
Shohei Ohtani’s scratch from his scheduled PNC Park start shows just how tricky it is to balance performance and preservation for elite athletes.
The Dodgers have to think long-term with their two-way marvel. Fans probably know by now that every chance to see him dominate—on the mound or at the plate—is something special.
- Ohtani missed his first scheduled PNC Park start because he felt “under the weather.”
- The Dodgers keep a close eye on his workload after elbow surgery.
- He holds a 4.18 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 32.1 innings in 2025.
- Ohtani’s rare games against the Pirates have been wild, with matchups against Paul Skenes and Henry Davis stirring up some real drama.
- Even when he’s just the DH, Ohtani draws fans and attention everywhere he goes.
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