The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again witnessing the rare spectacle of Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player. After a nearly two-year layoff from pitching due to Tommy John revision surgery, Ohtani made his long-awaited return to the mound last week — and now he’s set for start No. 2 on Sunday against the Washington Nationals.
Ohtani threw 28 high-octane pitches in his first start on Monday against the Padres, allowing a run on two hits in a single inning. Though the outing was brief, his raw stuff stood out: he hit 100.2 mph on the radar gun and averaged nearly 99 mph on his fastball.
“I did hit 100 today, so I want to see first where my body feels and how it reacts,” Ohtani said postgame. “But the expectation is for me to go once a week, hopefully to be able to go a little longer every time I’m out there so that the bullpen won’t be so taxed.”
On Sunday, Ohtani is expected to pitch two, possibly three innings as the Dodgers continue to build him up gradually — a unique challenge given his irreplaceable bat. Rather than sending him on a rehab assignment, L.A. opted for simulated games to preserve his role as an everyday designated hitter.
Shohei Ohtani Still Finding His Rhythm
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Though the velocity is clearly there, command remains a work in progress. Control is often the last element to return after Tommy John surgery, and Ohtani showed some early rust in his debut. Still, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the coaching staff are optimistic.
“It’s just about finding a rhythm. He’s healthy, and that’s the biggest win,” Roberts said.
A Boost for a Battered Los Angeles Dodgers Rotation
With a Dodgers rotation plagued by injuries, Ohtani’s return as a pitcher adds both hope and depth. His next challenge comes against a Nationals team that took Game 2 of the weekend series behind five home runs. The Dodgers, meanwhile, will need more from their stars, as Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman combined to go 1-for-12 on Saturday.
Still, if Ohtani continues to progress, it’s a win not just for L.A., but for baseball.