Shohei Ohtani finally returned to the pitcher’s mound on June 16, 2025, this time in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. Facing the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, it felt like more than just another game.
Ohtani’s comeback marked a huge step after a tough injury that kept him from pitching for almost two years. There was a sense of history in the air, but also a real focus on Ohtani’s grit and rare talent.
Fans and the wider MLB world couldn’t help buzzing about his future. The night had a little bit of everything—pitching drama, offensive fireworks, and that feeling you get when you’re watching something special.
Ohtani’s Long-Awaited Pitching Return
Ohtani hadn’t pitched since August 2023, when he tore his ulnar collateral ligament and needed surgery. Monday’s game felt like a long-awaited chance to see him back at what he does best—pitching and hitting at a level few can touch.
The Performance on the Mound
Ohtani’s return didn’t go perfectly, but that’s to be expected after such a layoff. He pitched just one inning, giving up one run on two hits.
The Padres’ leadoff batter got on base, and a sacrifice fly brought him home. Still, you could see flashes of Ohtani’s old magic.
He threw 28 pitches, 16 for strikes. His fastball hit an electric 100 mph, and his sweeper averaged about 89 mph.
For someone coming off a major injury, that’s pretty exciting. You just got the sense there’s more to come.
Playing Smart: Dodgers’ Gradual Approach
Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers aren’t rushing things. They want to build Ohtani’s pitch count and stamina slowly, not throw him straight into a full workload.
Ohtani won’t be on a strict five-day rotation yet. The Dodgers plan to check in on him daily, keeping his health and long-term value front and center.
It’s a steady approach—maybe a little cautious, but it makes sense for a player like Ohtani.
A Two-Way Star: Ohtani Shines at the Plate
While everyone talked about his pitching, Ohtani’s bat made plenty of noise too. After his inning on the mound, he stayed in as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter and didn’t disappoint.
He picked up two hits and drove in two runs, helping the Dodgers beat the Padres 6-3. Classic Ohtani—doing it all.
Key Offensive Highlights
- In the third inning, Ohtani smashed an RBI double that gave the Dodgers a spark.
- He followed up in the fourth with a clutch run-scoring single, proving he delivers when it counts.
It’s pretty wild to see a player do both at such a high level. The Dodgers made a big bet on Ohtani, and you can see why. Even as he works his way back on the mound, his offense is a huge part of their plans.
What This Means for the Dodgers and MLB
Ohtani’s return to pitching shakes things up for the Dodgers and the whole league. For Los Angeles, he offers something no other team has—a real two-way threat.
The Dodgers are being careful with his early-season pitching, but just imagine him as a top starter and a force at the plate. That’s a scary thought for opponents.
The Broader Impact on MLB
For baseball fans everywhere, Ohtani’s comeback brings a new level of excitement. He keeps pushing the boundaries of what one player can do, and that draws eyes from all over the world.
It’s honestly impressive to see him back after such a tough injury, still doing things most players only dream about. You have to wonder—what’s next?
The Road Ahead
Shohei Ohtani just made his first start back as a pitcher. That’s a huge step, but it’s really only the beginning for him.
The Dodgers are managing his return carefully. Fans will probably notice him pitching more innings as the season picks up.
His bat still brings plenty of spark to the top of the lineup. Honestly, it’s hard not to get excited about what comes next for Ohtani.
We’ll keep an eye on his workload and how he shapes the Dodgers’ season. Is this baseball’s most compelling story of 2025? Feels like it.
Here is the source article for this story: Shohei Ohtani makes 2025 pitching debut: Live updates as Dodgers star faces Padres
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