Ohtani’s Dodgers Pitching Debut: 100mph Fastball, Command Issues, and Historical Significance

Shohei Ohtani made his highly anticipated return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching one inning against the San Diego Padres. His fastball reached 100.2 mph, the second-fastest pitch by a Dodger this season, showcasing his retained velocity despite recent elbow surgery and a prior shoulder injury.

However, command was a clear issue. Ohtani allowed one run on two hits, struggling with control, particularly on the glove side. He issued three three-ball counts and recorded only 16 strikes out of 28 pitches, resulting in a lack of strikeouts and walks. This is expected given his lengthy layoff and recovery from surgery, with command often being the last element to return.

Beyond his pitching performance, Ohtani also led off at bat, becoming the first National League player since 1953 to both pitch and lead off in the same game. This historical feat underscores his unique two-way capabilities, which remain a significant asset to the Dodgers, especially given their current pitching staff limitations.

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