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Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound Sunday for his second start as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was a strong effort in another abbreviated outing for the two-way star, who's working his way back to a normal pitching load after undergoing UCL surgery in 2023.
Ohtani made his pitching debut for the Dodgers on Monday with a one-inning start that resulted in two hits and one earned run in a 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres. He improved on Sunday against the Washington Nationals in a game the Dodgers won 13-7.
Sunday's outing was also limited to a single inning. But Ohtani didn't allow a hit while recording his first two strikeouts in a Dodgers uniform.
The inning got off to an efficient start for Ohtani, who induced a first-pitch groundout from leadoff hitter C.J. Abrams. Projected All-Star James Wood made Ohtani work as the second batter of the day and reached first on an error by outfielder Mookie Betts on a 2-2 count. Wood was the only batter to reach base against Ohtani.
Ohtani worked No. 3 hitter Luis Garcia Jr. to a 2-2 count. He then induced a swinging strike three on a sweeper that sunk low and inside. Garcia attempted to check his swing but failed and was called out.
Ohtani then faced cleanup hitter Nathaniel Lowe. He threw a splitter in the dirt that got away from catcher Dalton Rushing, allowing Wood to advance to second. But Wood would get no farther.
On the seventh pitch of the at-bat with a 2-2 count, Ohtani threw an 88 mph cutter that swept across the plate low and outside. Lowe swung and missed and went back to the dugout with an inning-ending strikeout, Ohtani's second of the day.
It turned out to be Ohtani's final pitch, as manager Dave Roberts replaced Ohtani on the mound with Ben Casparius for the second inning.
Ohtani threw 18 pitches, including 12 strikes, with two swinging strikeouts and no walks, hits or runs allowed. His fastball topped out at 99 mph, and he threw an arsenal of pitches that also featured his cutter, sweeper and splitter.
It was an encouraging outing for the three-time All-Star pitcher, who hasn't handled a full load on the mound since Aug. 23, 2023, when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels. Since that start for the Angels, Ohtani underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow for the second time. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018.
Ohtani joined the Dodgers as a free agent the following offseason and had an MVP year at the plate during a World Series championship campaign for the Dodgers. He returned to the mound last week after a layoff from pitching of almost two years.
The Dodgers have eased Ohtani back with bullpen and batting-practice sessions. They're now limiting his time on the mound as a starter, with the hope of increasing his workload as the season progresses and they seek a second consecutive World Series title.
Through two outings, the pitching comeback for Ohtani appears to be going to plan.
