Shohei Ohtani's First Start as Dodgers Pitcher: A Historic Return to the Mound

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic First Start as Dodgers Pitcher: A Two-Way Star Shines Again

On June 16, 2025, Shohei Ohtani made his long-awaited debut as a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from elbow surgery and his journey as baseball’s premier two-way player. Facing the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani’s return to the mound after nearly two years was a moment of celebration for fans, teammates, and the baseball world.

A Brief but Electric Outing

Ohtani served as an opener, pitching one inning and throwing 28 pitches, with 16 strikes. He allowed two hits and one earned run, hitting a maximum velocity of 100 mph—a testament to his raw power despite the extended hiatus. While his outing was short, it was a promising first step, as the Dodgers carefully manage his workload following his second elbow surgery in September 2023. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the cautious approach, noting, “He’s ready to pitch in a big-league game,” while prioritizing Ohtani’s long-term health.

The Dodgers’ strategy leverages Ohtani’s unique two-way player status, which allows him to pitch without counting against the team’s 13-pitcher roster limit. This flexibility enables Los Angeles to ease him back into pitching duties while keeping his potent bat in the lineup as the designated hitter.

The Road to Recovery

Ohtani’s path back to pitching has been meticulous. After undergoing a procedure to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament, he also had surgery on his left shoulder in November 2024, complicating his rehab timeline. The Dodgers slow-played his pitching progression, prioritizing his role as a hitter in 2024, where he made history as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, earning his third unanimous MVP award.

In recent weeks, Ohtani accelerated his pitching rehab, facing live hitters for the first time on May 25, 2025, at Citi Field and throwing 44 pitches across three simulated innings on June 10 at Petco Park. His fastball, sweeper, and splitter showed glimpses of the dominance that made him a top-tier pitcher, with a career 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts over 481.2 innings.

A Game-Changing Presence

Ohtani’s return bolsters a Dodgers pitching staff plagued by injuries, with key starters like Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and rookie Roki Sasaki sidelined. His ability to contribute even limited innings provides a significant boost, especially as the team eyes another postseason run. Beyond the stats, Ohtani’s presence electrifies Dodger Stadium, with Roberts calling the anticipation “bananas” for the sold-out crowd.

As a hitter in 2025, Ohtani continues to dazzle, batting .290 with 25 home runs and a 1.035 OPS, leading the National League. His dual-threat ability draws comparisons to Babe Ruth, cementing his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.

What’s Next for Ohtani?

The Dodgers plan to gradually increase Ohtani’s pitching workload, potentially targeting multi-inning starts after the All-Star break. His unique rehab—no minor league assignments due to his indispensable bat—means he’ll build up in big-league games, a process that requires careful monitoring.

Ohtani’s debut was a reminder of his unparalleled impact. As he refines his pitching arsenal and regains his rhythm, the baseball world eagerly awaits the full return of “Shotime” as a two-way superstar. For now, Dodgers fans can savor the historic night when Shohei Ohtani took the mound in Dodger blue, a moment that signals even greater things to come.