Shohei Ohtani Says 'I'm Back' After Dodgers Pitching Debut but 'Not Quite Happy'

Shohei Ohtani's first time on the mound in an MLB game since August 2023 yielded mixed results with one run allowed on two hits, a wild pitch and no strikeouts in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the 30-year-old explained he was "not quite happy with the results overall" of his first pitching appearance as a member of the Dodgers.

"Not quite happy with the results overall, but I think the biggest takeaway for me is that I feel good enough to be able to go out for my next outing," Ohtani said through an interpreter.

Although he wasn't happy with the result of the outing, Ohtani took to Instagram to mark the occasion:

The shortness of Ohtani's outing was part of the Dodgers' plan, which ESPN's Alden Gonzalez noted he was only expected to throw one to two innings "in what will basically amount to a continuation of his rehab."

Ohtani just started facing live hitters as part of his rehab on May 25. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said at the time his fastball was sitting at 95 mph and touched 97.

Monday's start saw Ohtani throw a total of 28 pitches (16 strikes). His velocity was good, with his fastest pitch clocked at 100.2 mph to Luis Arráez and another pitch to Manny Machado that was 99.9 mph.

Given the injury issues that have plagued the Dodgers' starting rotation this season, their decision to use Ohtani on the mound only came together within a day or two before it was officially announced, according to general manager Brandon Gomes.

As for what happens next, Gomes said prior to Monday's game they will see how Ohtani feels afterward and go from there.

By the way, Ohtani also went 2-for-4 with two RBI as a hitter in the win. Monday marked his first time on the mound since Aug. 23, 2023, for the Los Angeles Angels against the Cincinnati Reds.

Ohtani had elbow surgery on Sept. 19, 2023, and was ruled out from stepping on the mound for all of 2024. He still won NL MVP as a full-time DH in his first year with the Dodgers after hitting .310/.390/.646 with 54 homers and 59 stolen bases, becoming the first player in MLB history with a 50-50 season.