Shohei Ohtani allowed an early run in his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but quickly made up for it with two clutch hits and a pair of RBIs in a 6-3 victory over the San Diego Padres.

In the last season that he pitched in 2023, Ohtani had a 3.13 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and a 10-5 record, helping him earn a second AL MVP. Unfortunately, his season on the mound was cut short as he underwent surgery for a UCL tear in his right elbow in September. Since then, he's been on the road to recovery.

Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound, but only for an inning. When he's fully ramped up, this is what the Dodgers' rotation might look like.

Shohei Ohtani makes his long-awaited pitching debut for Dodgers in win over Padres - Sports | Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Shohei Ohtani gave up a pair of two-strike hits and a run in his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut against the San Diego Padres, which came 21 months after the two-way superstar had elbow surgery.

There's no reason for Dodgers fans to fret. Ohtani was always expected to throw just an inning or two tonight as he slowly finds his rhythm again on the bump. Usually, when pitchers return from injuries, they throw a few rehab starts in the minor leagues. Of course, that's not possible for Ohtani, who is the best offensive player on his team, too.

After the San Francisco Giants acquired Rafael Devers, one of the Dodgers' starting pitchers, Clayton Kershaw, was very complimentary of the rival organization.

Andy Pages was fired up after the Dodgers CF was hit by a fastball from Padres starter Dylan Cease in the fourth, prompting a visit from both managers.

Therefore, the Dodgers could still use Alcantara in the rotation. The Marlins finished last in the NL East in 2024 and are on track to do so again in 2025, so they will likely be