WATCH: Shohei Ohtani makes electric pitching debut with nasty fastball vs. Fernando Tatis Jr.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani finally made his pitching debut for the franchise. He returned to the mound for the first time since the second half of the 2023 season when his elbow was injured, requiring Tommy John surgery and rehab that spanned almost 1.5 years.

Ohtani was up against San Diego Padres leadoff hitter Fernando Tatis Jr. on Monday. Tatis fouled off the first pitch, following which Ohtani pitched three straight balls, making the count 3-1.

Ohtani pitched a 98 mph four-seamer to extract a swing and a miss from Tatis. The pitch was so electric that it got the crowd buzzing behind Ohtani.

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However, Tatis eventually came out on top in his matchup with Ohtani. He singled on a 99 mph four-seamer to right field to lead off the inning. He reached second base on a wild pitch by Ohtani, followed by a single by Luis Arraez to advance Tatis to third.

Padres slugger Manny Machado hit a sac fly to center field, which saw Tatis come around and score the first run of the game.

Why didn't Dave Roberts continue with Shohei Ohtani in the second inning?

Shohei Ohtani didn't return in the second inning as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts replaced him with Ben Casparius.

While fans may be surprised, it was always going to be the case since Ohtani is returning from a Tommy John surgery. Unlike other pitchers, he hasn't pitched any rehab innings in Triple-A or in the minors to build his arm back to full strength.

Given that Shohei Ohtani is a luxury at the plate, it makes no sense to risk him to injury by making him pitch extra when they don't need to. After the first half of the first inning, Ohtani resumed his role as designated hitter against the Padres.

Ohtani's return to the mound will be a major boost for the Dodgers, who have 14 pitchers on the injured list. With the two-way star pitching in the high 90s, the velocity hasn't declined since he last pitched in the majors.

Ohtani last pitched on August 23, 2023, and left the game after just 1.1 innings.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Dipayan Moitra