dodgers’ Ohtani to start vs. San Diego, signaling resumption of two-hitter

shohei Ohtani returns to the pitching mound after two years away

shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) will make his first start as a Major League Baseball pitcher in nearly two years (663 days) on June 17, 2025, at home against the San Diego Padres. it’s a historic moment as he takes the mound for the first time in a Dodgers uniform; his last previous start was in August 2023 against Cincinnati as a member of the LA Angels.

quick comeback after Tommy John surgery, resumes pitching dual role

following a lengthy rehabilitation after undergoing elbow ligament reconstruction (Tommy John) surgery in September 2023, Ohtani was initially expected to return in the second half of the year, but his rapid recovery allowed him to return to pitching ahead of schedule. ohtani expressed his confidence, saying, “Two-hitting is normal for me,” and fans are looking forward to seeing his true Idoryu form once again.

pitching limitations and team management strategy

ohtani’s pitch count and innings will be limited to one or two innings in this outing, as he will be checking his body after his rehabilitation and making sure that his return to the field is as easy as possible. “One or two innings is a positive,” manager Dave Roberts said. the Dodgers have been utilizing bullpen days a lot lately, so using Ohtani as an opener won’t put too much pressure on the team.

ohtani’s MLB pitching record and what it means for his return

• In 86 career MLB games, Ohtani is 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA
• first start since joining the Dodgers, bolstering team strength and symbolism
• resumption of pitching and hitting draws attention from all over the major leagues

ohtani’s return to the mound signals his reemergence as a pitcher and is highly symbolic for the Dodgers and MLB as a whole.