Shohei Ohtani Shakes Off Rust, Throws 100 MPH in Dodgers Pitching Debut After Injury

For the first time since August 2023, Shohei Ohtani stepped onto the mound in a regular-season game.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star, limited to just hitting for nearly two years while recovering from an elbow surgery, returned to pitching on Monday, doing so for the first time since signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the team.

His appearance against the San Diego Padres was brief—he pitched just one inning—and he was clearly shaking off the rust, but there were flashes of what's to come. He threw 28 pitches, allowing two hits and a run, but the velocity was there as he was in the high 90s and even touched 100 mph.

Most pitchers returning from injury have the chance to go on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues, but because Ohtani is such an important piece of the Dodgers' offense, he doesn't have that luxury. So for the time being, it will likely be more short outings for Ohtani as he ramps his way up to being a full-time starter once again.

Luckily for Los Angeles, MLB officially recognizes Ohtani as a two-way player, giving the Dodgers the flexibility to include him as a 14th pitcher. That means Ohtani can continue his short opening stints without the team having to sacrifice much.

While Ohtani won't be pitching long outings at the moment, he'll continue to lead L.A.'s offense. So far this season, he's hit 25 home runs and totaled 41 RBI while hitting .297.