Shohei Ohtani says he’s “feeling good” after his Dodgers pitching debut and may return to the mound this weekend.

The baseball world paused Monday night as Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ dual-threat phenom, returned to pitching following a gruelling recovery from revision Tommy John surgery and shoulder repair. In his first appearance on the mound since 2023, Ohtani flashed his blistering fastball and delivered encouraging signs of a full-circle return. With his health status sending waves through Los Angeles, the club is now eyeing a mound return this weekend, a development that has ignited fresh hope in Dodger Stadium—and beyond.

1. Road to Recovery: The Long Shot

Ohtani’s road back has been anything but ordinary. He last pitched in August 2023 before suffering a UCL tear that required a second Tommy John surgery—an operation known for its long recovery timeline. In November 2024, he compounded the surgical journey with labrum repair in his pitching shoulder . Altogether, his recovery timeline stretched nearly 22 months.

Despite being limited to designated hitter (DH) duties in 2024, Ohtani remained disciplined in the rehab process: bullpen sessions, flat-ground tosses, sealed off by strict pitch counts. By spring training, observers noted his fastball clocking in the low-to-mid 90s mph—a good sign given the circumstances .

2. His Mound Debut: A Strong First Step

On Monday against the Padres at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani took the mound for one inning—28 pitches total. He allowed one run on two hits but notably walked none and struck out none, delivering controlled efficiency. More impressively, his fastball reached 100.2 mph—evidence that his arm is back in prime form . Manager Dave Roberts remarked afterward, “He looked sharp. That 100 mph heater—that’s vintage Ohtani.”

Offensive Cameo

Ohtani didn’t stop at the mound. As the DH, he hit a run-scoring double and later added an RBI single. Roberts stated, “To see him contribute on both sides tonight—that’s what we’ve been waiting for” .

3. Looking Ahead: This Weekend’s Prospect

The Dodgers’ staff believes Ohtani could return to pitch as early as this weekend. Roberts explained the strategy: “We’re treating this like a pitcher coming off major surgery. Low volume, high quality. His next outing could be Sunday. We’ll build from there.” They’re eyeing weekly starts to allow manageable ramp-up .

Each appearance will be tightly monitored: one to two innings, capped pitch counts, and plenty of recovery time. “Our goal is October, healthy and ready,” Roberts said—underscoring their long-term commitment .

4. What It Means for the Dodgers

Ohtani’s two-way renaissance couldn’t come at a more critical time. The Dodgers have struggled with pitching depth and injuries all season. Ohtani’s return offers rotation relief and bullpen flexibility—and morale-wise, it brings a jolt of confidence .

He’s more than a player; he’s an inspiration. His presence alone—at the plate or on the bump—resonates deeply with teammates and fans alike.

5. The Risks: Second Time’s Trials

A second Tommy John surgery follows a steeper climb. While advances in sports medicine offer optimism, rehab durability is never guaranteed. According to analysts, success rates drop with repeat procedures—even as Ohtani breaks norms with this rapid climb back .

Balancing his elite fastball, secondary pitches, and hitting workload remains tricky. Dodgers trainers must choreograph a fine line—too much too soon could unravel his progress.

6. Legacy & MVP Implications

Ohtani’s MVP candidacy is airtight—his debut only cements it. He already posted a signing season as DH. Now, adding pitching appearances could amplify his odds of a second consecutive NL MVP, an honor he wrested last year in a unanimous vote .

More than awards, Ohtani’s return is shaping into an heir to the rare two-way player lineage—modern baseball’s equivalent of Babe Ruth. His success redefines positional boundaries and raises aspirations across the sport .

7. Fans and Media: The Reaction

The scene at Dodger Stadium was electric. Monday’s game became the most-watched MLB.TV broadcast ever—viewership soaring 28% higher than previous records . CROWD and online audiences delighted at every fastball and swing.

Sports writers noted the significance: not merely a debut, but a testament to Ohtani’s resolve. Even after setbacks, the baseball world watched him cross back over the mound—the symbol of an all-access legend returning.

8. What’s Next? Watch Closely

• Next Outing: Weekend start—potentially Sunday—is pivotal. Will he push two innings? How’s arm response post-game?
• Performance Watch: Velocity consistency, control, and pitch mix will be scrutinized—especially against live hitters.
• Health Metrics: Dodgers will monitor soreness levels, mechanics, and any subtle signs of fatigue.
• Gradual Build: Regular starts through summer; by September, he may be in full rotation stride… if everything holds.

Shohei Ohtani’s mound return is more than a comeback—it’s a revival of belief in two-way excellence. Monday’s debut was a headline, but every bolt of 100 mph heat, every plate appearance, nudges his legend forward.

If he takes the mound again this weekend, it will mark another milestone in a remarkable journey. For the Dodgers, it strengthens their championship resolve. For baseball, it continues the narrative of a transcendent star reshaping expectations.

Ohtani is feeling good—and so is the game.