Los Angeles Dodgers fans, rejoice! Shohei Ohtani, the two-way baseball phenom, made his highly anticipated pitching debut for the Dodgers on June 16, 2025. After recovering from Tommy John surgery in September 2023, Ohtani stepped onto the mound against the San Diego Padres, marking his first pitching appearance in nearly two years.
Ohtani's Road to Recovery
Ohtani's journey back to pitching has been a testament to his dedication and resilience. While sidelined from pitching in 2024, he continued to dominate at the plate, showcasing his incredible hitting prowess. He even contributed significantly to the Dodgers winning the 2024 World Series. The anticipation for his return to the mound has been building ever since.
A Surprise Announcement
The Dodgers organization kept Ohtani's pitching debut plans tightly under wraps. Initially, the assumption was that he would return to pitching after the All-Star break in July. However, the decision was made just days before the game against the Padres. Even Ohtani's teammates were surprised by the announcement, highlighting the secrecy surrounding the event.
Game Details: Dodgers vs. Padres
Fans eager to witness Ohtani's return had multiple options to tune in. The game aired nationally on MLB Network, as well as on regional sports networks like SportsNet LA (Los Angeles area) and SDPA (San Diego). Streaming options included Fubo, DirecTV, Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and MLB.TV.
- Date: June 16, 2025
- Time: 10:10 p.m. ET/7:10 p.m. PT
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Ohtani was expected to pitch for 1-2 innings, marking a cautious but exciting start to his pitching comeback. All eyes were on him as he aimed to recapture the elite form that made him a baseball icon.
Pirates Face the Tigers
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates began a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Fans followed the game closely, adhering to the team's game-day guidelines for online commentary and discussions.