LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Baseball fans around the globe circled June 16, 2025, on their calendars for months. That Monday evening, the sport witnessed one of the most electrifying and emotional comebacks in recent memory: Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation and global icon, took the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time since undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2023.
More than just a game against division rivals San Diego Padres, this night symbolized the return of a baseball marvel to his full form — both as a hitter and now again, as a pitcher. Dodger Stadium buzzed with an intensity that rivaled postseason showdowns, and the city of Los Angeles, along with the rest of the baseball world, watched as Shohei stepped back into the pitcher’s spotlight.
The Return of the Unicorn
To fully understand the magnitude of this moment, one must rewind nearly 22 months, to August 2023. That was the last time Shohei Ohtani pitched in a Major League game before elbow trouble derailed his dual-role dominance.
After signing a historic 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers in December 2023, Ohtani was sidelined from pitching duties. While his bat continued to be one of baseball’s most dangerous weapons, the mound — his first love — remained off-limits, occupied by ghosts of injury and the weight of expectations.
Fans waited patiently. Teammates supported him. And the Dodgers, understanding they had invested in a generational player, plotted a long-term, health-conscious return. On June 16, 2025, that plan came to fruition.
Pregame Electricity: A City Awaits
Hours before the first pitch, thousands of fans gathered early around Chavez Ravine. The parking lot tailgates turned into miniature festivals, brimming with Ohtani jerseys, Japanese flags, and handmade signs like “We Missed Your Fire” and “Sho-Time Returns Tonight.”
Inside the clubhouse, excitement was palpable. Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts, who had hinted at Ohtani’s readiness days earlier, officially announced the return in the morning — immediately triggering a media frenzy. Even veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, no stranger to big-stage pressure, said, “Tonight’s not just about winning a game. It’s about welcoming our brother back.”
Ohtani on the Mound: A Roar Like No Other
At exactly 7:10 p.m., Shohei Ohtani stepped to the mound to a thunderous ovation. It was deafening, not just for the volume but for the emotion behind it. Dodgers and Padres fans alike applauded the sheer bravery it took to return to a role that could define, or derail, the second half of his career.
His first pitch? A 98-mph fastball on the black.
He wasn’t perfect. The Padres tagged him for two hits and an earned run in the top of the first. But Ohtani showed flashes of the dominant ace we remember — a slicing splitter here, a wicked curve there, and a few fastballs touching triple digits.
After 28 pitches, Roberts and the coaching staff pulled him, sticking to the plan of slowly building up his pitch count over several weeks. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he walked off, tipping his cap, eyes watering slightly.
Dominance from the Batter’s Box
But Shohei Ohtani wasn’t done. If the mound return marked one chapter, his bat authored the next.
In the bottom of the third, with the Dodgers trailing 1–0 and a runner on first, Ohtani roped a line-drive double down the right-field line, scoring the tying run. Dodger Stadium shook.
An inning later, with two men on and two outs, Ohtani came through again — a clutch RBI single that kicked off a five-run fourth inning for the Dodgers. Max Muncy followed up with a two-run single, and the floodgates opened.
Final line for Ohtani at the plate: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 run scored. On a night already loaded with pressure, his bat proved he’s still the most dangerous offensive force in the game.
Supporting Cast Stepping Up
While Shohei’s one-inning start was limited by design, the Dodgers’ bullpen executed the game plan to perfection:
- Anthony Banda provided two solid innings.
- Ben Casparius, in just his fourth Major League appearance, pitched 3.2 innings and earned the win, holding the Padres in check despite a solo shot from Manny Machado.
- Yency Almonte, Alex Vesia, and Kirby Yates finished the job, with Yates earning the save after a clean ninth.
The Dodgers took the game 6–3, improving to 44–29 on the season and further solidifying their position atop the NL West.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Game Mattered
Beyond the box score, beyond the victory, this game was seismic for multiple reasons:
1. Two-Way Legend Resurrected
No player in modern MLB history has done what Shohei does. His ability to pitch at a Cy Young level while also hitting like a Silver Slugger is unparalleled. This night was the first step in resuming that legendary balance.
2. Dodgers Rotation Woes
With key arms like Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki battling injuries, Ohtani’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. Even limited outings from him ease the burden on the bullpen and allow the Dodgers to better manage workload across their roster.
3. Psychological Lift
Sometimes, a team needs more than just stats — they need belief. Ohtani’s return was the jolt of energy that could carry this Dodgers team into the dog days of summer with renewed spirit.
Fan Reactions: Emotion Everywhere
“I cried,” said 14-year-old fan Nina Yamamoto, who flew from Tokyo with her father just for this game. “I’ve waited almost two years to see him pitch again. Tonight was everything.”
On social media, #ShoTime and #OhtaniReturns trended worldwide for hours. Japanese TV networks ran late-night specials. In Los Angeles, it wasn’t just a sports moment — it was cultural.
What’s Next for Shohei Ohtani?
According to Roberts, Ohtani will likely pitch on a five- or six-day schedule, with bullpen sessions and off days tightly monitored. The goal: ramp up slowly to around 70–80 pitches per outing by mid-July.
“He’s not a normal player,” said Roberts postgame. “And we’re not going to treat him like one. Our job is to protect his gift.”
Expect Ohtani’s innings to increase incrementally. The Dodgers are thinking long-term: the postseason, 2026, and perhaps even international competitions on the horizon.
The MVP Case: Stronger Than Ever
Before Monday, Ohtani was already the favorite for NL MVP, boasting:
- .306 AVG
- 25 HRs
- 43 RBIs
- 1.021 OPS
Now, with pitching added back into his arsenal, he’s poised to reassert himself as the sport’s ultimate one-man show. Even if he only pitches 60–70 innings this year, the sheer value he brings is unprecedented.
Historic Parallels and New Ground
Ohtani became the first National League pitcher to bat leadoff in a game since Rick Wise in 1972. He also joins an exclusive group of MLB players to pitch and bat in the top three lineup spots in the same game — a feat unseen in 70+ years.
When asked about the history he was making, Shohei responded humbly: “I just want to help my team win — whatever way I can.”
The Global Impact: Baseball’s Bridge
Make no mistake, Ohtani’s return isn’t just important to the Dodgers or the National League — it’s a cultural event across continents.
- In Japan, morning shows led with footage from the game, some calling it “a return of hope.”
- In Korea and Taiwan, broadcasters dubbed his comeback “a miracle in motion.”
- Even MLB marketing executives are preparing a renewed global campaign with Shohei as the central figure.
As the league eyes expansion and stronger international ties, Ohtani’s health and success are more crucial than ever.
