Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Shohei Ohtani made a trouble-free return to the pitching mound after a near two-year absence on Monday in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player had not pitched since August 2023 when he played for the Los Angeles Angels. He tore elbow ligaments in his last pitching outing, which required surgery, although he was still able to bat after joining the Dodgers on a 10-year $700 million contract in December 2023.
On Monday, Ohtani pitched the first inning, taking to the field to a rousing ovation at Dodger Stadium before hurling 28 pitches, 16 of them strikes. Though Ohtani’s command fluctuated, there were glimpses of his intimidating velocity, with one pitch topping 100 miles (160 km) per hour. “First of all I’m very grateful for all the staff members and people who supported me throughout the whole process,” the 30-year-old from Japan said through an interpreter. “I’m very grateful that I’m back here healthy and pitching again. I was not quite happy with the results, but there was a lot that I was able to take away from today’s game.”
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Ohtani is widely regarded as a modern-day Babe Ruth, a rarity in baseball in that he combines elite hitting and pitching. Last year he became the first player in history to score 50 home runs and nab 50 stolen bases in a season — a statistical feat once regarded as unthinkable — before playing a key role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory. Ohtani is well on the way to another stellar offensive season this year, scoring 25 home runs to date to help the Dodgers to the top of the National League West division.
Yet anticipation about when he may return to pitching has grown steadily, with Ohtani seen testing his throwing arm in recent practice sessions, before manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday’s start on Sunday.
© 2024 AFP
