Shohei Ohtani makes long-awaited Dodgers pitching debut

In Los Angeles, on June 16, 2025, Shohei Ohtani, the two-way baseball star, is set to return to the mound as the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This marks a significant moment in his career, as it has been 21 months since his last appearance on the pitching mound due to recovery from Tommy John surgery performed in September 2023. Ohtani's last pitch was on August 23, 2023, while he played for the Los Angeles Angels, before he underwent surgery to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament. Ohtani has been taking part in a rigorous rehabilitation process since late March 2024, as he worked towards returning to pitch while simultaneously playing as a hitter. He showed readiness to pitch during live sessions and simulated games in the weeks leading up to his debut, driven by a personal eagerness to get back on the mound. Manager Dave Roberts of the Dodgers expressed excitement about Ohtani's return and emphasized that their decision to bring him back as a pitcher was made with careful consideration of his health and readiness. Ohtani's last full season as a pitcher in 2023 was impressive, with a record of 10 wins and 5 losses, alongside a 3.14 ERA over 23 starts. During this time, he also excelled as a hitter, showcasing his immense talent as a two-way player in Major League Baseball (MLB). His prior achievements as a slugger include hitting over 50 home runs in a season and stealing more than 50 bases, which solidified his reputation as a major asset in the league. The Dodgers have been managing a complex pitching situation due to injuries among their regular starters, making Ohtani's return even more significant for the team. As he gears up for a potential 1-2 inning appearance tonight, fans are expected to create an electric atmosphere, highlighting Ohtani's status not only as a player of exceptional skill but also as a key figure in revitalizing interest and excitement around baseball in Los Angeles and beyond.