LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound in 2025 isn’t just a curiosity—it could reshape the Dodgers’ playoff outlook, roster flexibility, and the very definition of what a modern baseball superstar can be.
Ohtani quickly made an impact on Saturday afternoon, shining on the mound and generating excitement throughout Dodger Stadium as the Dodgers bounced back from their worst loss since the stadium opened in 1962, an 18-1 defeat on Friday night.
Dave Roberts stated that the plan was for Ohtani to pitch for two innings today. He also mentioned that 40 pitches would be a comfortable limit for Ohtani as he prepares to make his fourth start on his 31st birthday.
Shohei strikes out the side! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wrmHrDX1n6
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 5, 2025
Ohtani completed the first inning scoreless on just 10 pitches, allowing only a leadoff single to Isaac Paredes. Cam Smith then hit into a double play, followed by Jose Altuve grounding out to end the inning.
In an electrifying display, Ohtani returned for a second inning, and he struck out the side in order as he pitched another scoreless inning. With just 21 pitches, he struck out Christian Walker, Victor Caratini, and Yainer Diaz in a sequence of seven pitches each. Ohtani’s outing was clean and efficient, giving the Dodgers a quick glimpse of his full arsenal: a mix of high-octane fastballs, sweepers, and splitters.
Though his first four starts have been short by design, the two-way superstar is already flashing elite velocity and sharp command. Ohtani has flashed 100–101.7 mph heat, a wicked splitter, and improved command, suggesting he’s fully capable of reclaiming top-tier form by postseason. Ohtani touched 100.9 mph on Saturday and brings his ERA to 1.50 for the season.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium.
Ohtani’s Dodgers pitching debut came on June 16 against the Padres. He worked a single inning, allowing one earned run on two hits but touching 100.2 mph on the radar gun. It was his first major league pitching appearance since 2023, and though brief, the outing had fans buzzing. In his second start against the Nationals, Ohtani was sharper. He retired all three batters he faced, striking out two and needing just 12 pitches to complete the inning.
In his third outing — a two-inning start against the Royals — Ohtani showed progress and determination to become who he still believes he is. Ohtani allowed just one hit, walked one, and struck out another, but the headline was his fastball: it reached 101.7 mph, the hardest pitch thrown by any Dodger this season.
In his first four starts, Ohtani has allowed just four hits, struck out six batters, and walked one, all over a total of six innings pitched. While this is a small sample size, all indications suggest a successful, albeit gradual, return to form. With every pitch he makes, the anticipation for what's to come continues to grow.
Expect Ohtani to continue pitching roughly once a week, with gradually increasing pitch counts and innings. The organization and player both emphasize caution—Roberts doesn't expect complete games this season, but these "opener-style" starts are producing top-tier velocity and strong control.