Shohei Ohtani sends bold message in his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut, hitting 100.2 mph and driving in 2 runs in win over Padres.
On Monday night, June 16, 2025, Dodger Stadium erupted as Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s unparalleled two-way superstar, made his long-awaited return to the mound after a 21-month hiatus. Facing the San Diego Padres in his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani delivered a performance that electrified fans and reaffirmed his status as a generational talent. With a blazing fastball and a lethal bat, the three-time MVP signaled that he’s ready to redefine the Dodgers’ 2025 season as they chase another World Series title.
Ohtani’s last MLB pitching appearance was in August 2023, sidelined by elbow surgery and a cautious recovery. His return against the Padres was a spectacle, even if brief. In a tightly managed one-inning stint, Ohtani allowed one earned run on two hits, battling early command issues but showcasing his trademark velocity. His nine four-seam fastballs averaged 99.1 mph, with a peak of 100.2 mph, lighting up the radar gun and sending a message across the league.
According to Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett, Ohtani hadn’t anticipated such heat. “Shohei Ohtani said he planned to sit 95-96 mph tonight. Excitement of the moment pushed it higher (he averaged 99.1 mph on 9 four seam fastballs and topped out at 100.2 mph),” Plunkett posted on X. The adrenaline of Dodger Stadium, packed with fans chanting his name, clearly fueled Ohtani’s fiery return.
Though his outing was short, the significance was undeniable. Ohtani’s ability to hit triple-digit speeds after nearly two years away from pitching underscored his physical resilience and mental fortitude. For a Dodgers rotation battered by injuries to stars like Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow, his return is a beacon of hope.
Ohtani’s night didn’t end on the mound. Staying in the game as the designated hitter, he went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, powering the Dodgers to a 6–3 victory in a crucial NL West showdown. His offensive prowess—hitting .320 with 25 home runs and a 1.050 OPS in 2025—complements his pitching, making him a unique weapon. Monday’s performance was a microcosm of his value: a pitcher who can dominate an inning and a hitter who can swing the outcome of a game.
The win marked the Dodgers’ 44th of the season, bolstering their lead in the division and silencing doubters who questioned their depth amid injuries. Ohtani’s dual contribution was a reminder of why his $700 million contract, signed in December 2023, was a franchise-altering move.
This nontraditional approach aligns with Ohtani’s unique career. No player in modern baseball has balanced elite pitching and hitting like him, and the Dodgers are leaning into his versatility. Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s work ethic, noting his meticulous rehab process and simulated games that prepared him for this moment. “He’s a freak of nature,” Roberts said postgame. “What he did tonight is just the start.”
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Statistically, Ohtani’s 2025 season is historic. His projected 8.5 WAR, combining his pitching (3.20 ERA in limited starts) and hitting (180 OPS+), places him among legends like Babe Ruth. If he sustains this pace, he could join Barry Bonds, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, and Ruth as the only players to hit 40+ home runs, score 100+ runs, and post a 1.000+ OPS with a .300+ average in consecutive seasons.