Los Angeles, CA — Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani made headlines once again, but this time, it wasn’t just for his bat. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ $700 million man finally stepped onto the mound in a Dodgers uniform — and after his first pitching appearance with the team, Ohtani delivered a clear, bold message that has fans and analysts buzzing.
Ohtani Returns to the Mound — and Impresses
While Ohtani has dazzled all season as a designated hitter, his pitching debut in Dodgers blue marked a long-anticipated moment. Coming off elbow surgery that sidelined his pitching in late 2023, fans were eager — and a little anxious — to see how he would look on the mound.
Ohtani didn’t disappoint. His fastball touched 96 mph, and his trademark splitter showed flashes of vintage dominance. While the outing was brief and carefully monitored, it was enough to prove he’s well on the comeback trail.
Shohei’s Message: “I’m Not Just Here to Hit — I’m Here to Win It All”
Following the appearance, Ohtani didn’t hold back:
“This is just the beginning. I didn’t come here just to be a hitter. I came here to compete on both sides and help this team win a championship. That’s why I’m here.”
The statement was short, powerful, and unmistakably Shohei — focused, driven, and confident. While he continues to recover and ramp up slowly, the message to the league is clear: Ohtani intends to return as a full two-way threat.
Dave Roberts: “He’s Ahead of Schedule”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s performance and mentality:
“He looked great. Everything was crisp, and his tempo was outstanding. We’ll keep taking it one step at a time, but he’s ahead of schedule — and that’s exciting.”
Roberts also hinted that Ohtani could be ready to pitch competitively later this season or early 2026, depending on rehab progress.
Fan Reaction: “Shohei 2.0 Is Coming”
Fans on social media exploded with excitement following the outing. Hashtags like #ShoTimeReturns and #TwoWayKing began trending within minutes. One fan posted:
“If Ohtani’s back on the mound and swinging the bat like this, just give the Dodgers the trophy already.”
