Shohei Ohtani made his much-anticipated pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres, 21 months after undergoing elbow surgery. In a performance that captivated fans, Ohtani threw 28 pitches in the first inning, registering a fastball at 100.2 mph, the second-hardest by a Dodgers pitcher this season. Despite some visible struggle and sweating on the mound, he managed to retire key hitters like Xander Bogaerts and Fernando Tatis Jr., but also gave up a run due to two-strike hits.
After completing the inning, Ohtani transitioned quickly to batting, striking out against Padres starter Dylan Cease but later tying the game with an RBI double. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed excitement over Ohtani’s dual capabilities, emphasizing the importance of trusting the player in managing both his pitching and hitting roles.
Ohtani, batting .290 with 25 homers, is crucial to the Dodgers, especially given the injuries affecting their pitching staff, which has left multiple starters and relievers on the injured list. Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes noted that they are in a unique position, balancing Ohtani’s offensive skills with his pitching responsibilities while ensuring he remains healthy.
Ohtani’s historical significance in the league is underscored by his past successes, including a World Series title with the Dodgers and three MVP awards. His return marks a pivotal moment, not only for Ohtani but also for a Dodgers team looking to solidify their postseason chances. With initial limitations on his pitching time, the hope is that he can contribute effectively while also being preserved for the crucial stretch of the season.
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