On June 16, 2025, Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star, is poised to make his much-anticipated pitching debut for the team, marking a historic moment for both Ohtani and the Dodgers. This debut comes after a prolonged absence from pitching duties due to an elbow injury that kept the Japanese phenom off the mound for nearly two years. Having only served as a designated hitter in the 2024 season, Ohtani’s return to pitching is a defining moment for both him and the Dodgers, who have struggled with injuries to their pitching rotation this season.
Ohtani’s Return: A Long-Awaited Moment for Dodgers Fans
Shohei Ohtani’s pitching debut for the Dodgers is one of the most awaited events of the 2025 MLB season. After undergoing surgery in 2023 to repair his elbow, which sidelined him for much of the 2024 season, Ohtani’s return to the mound has been eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. Ohtani, who is renowned for his exceptional skills both as a pitcher and a hitter, was signed by the Dodgers in a blockbuster move at the end of 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
During the 2024 season, Ohtani demonstrated his formidable prowess as a hitter. He earned his third MVP award after batting .305 with 42 home runs, 99 RBIs, and an OPS of .993. Despite not pitching in 2024, his presence in the lineup was a major catalyst for the Dodgers’ success. However, his dual-threat ability—capable of being both an ace on the mound and a power hitter—has always been what has set Ohtani apart from others. This season, he has been focused on making a full recovery and returning to his pitching form, and now, as of June 16, 2025, he will finally take the mound once again.
This debut is not just a personal milestone for Ohtani, but a crucial one for the Dodgers. The team has faced a number of setbacks in its starting rotation, including injuries to key pitchers, which has led to a reliance on a mix of inexperienced and inconsistent arms. With Ohtani’s return, the Dodgers are not only gaining one of the most dynamic players in the sport but also a legitimate ace who can help solidify their rotation as they make a push for the postseason.
Ohtani’s Impact on the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff
Before his injury, Ohtani had earned a reputation as one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. In 2022, Ohtani posted a 2.33 ERA with 219 strikeouts in 166.2 innings, proving he could compete with the best in the game. His ability to mix his fastball, slider, curveball, and split-finger pitch made him a nightmare for hitters, and his raw talent as a pitcher has been one of the main reasons why he was so coveted during free agency.
For the Dodgers, adding Ohtani to their rotation is a game-changer. The team has long been known for its pitching depth, but the departure of several key arms in recent years, combined with a few injuries this season, has left the rotation in flux. Bringing Ohtani into the fold gives them a bona fide ace, but it also means the team can now match up against other postseason contenders with confidence.
Ohtani’s versatility is another factor that makes him such a valuable asset to the Dodgers. Having a player who can serve as both a starting pitcher and a top-tier hitter is an advantage few teams can claim. This means the Dodgers can maximize their roster construction by having Ohtani pitch every fifth day and continue to hit in the lineup the other four days. His ability to contribute in both areas makes him a one-of-a-kind player, and the Dodgers will look to leverage this to their advantage.
The Dodgers’ Need for Ohtani’s Pitching
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been dealt a number of blows in 2025. Key starters like Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urias have struggled with injuries, and the team has had to rely on pitchers like Tony Gonsolin and Noah Syndergaard to fill in. While Gonsolin and Syndergaard have shown flashes of brilliance, they have also been inconsistent, leaving the team in need of a more reliable arm to carry the rotation. Enter Ohtani.
Ohtani’s return to the mound couldn’t have come at a better time for the Dodgers. The team has been in a tight race in the National League West, with the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres both pushing for the division title. Adding Ohtani to the rotation gives the Dodgers a clear advantage, especially in big games down the stretch. His dominance on the mound could make a world of difference in tight matchups against division rivals, and the Dodgers’ hopes for a deep playoff run may depend on how well Ohtani performs as a starting pitcher.
A Legacy in the Making
Shohei Ohtani is already one of the most talked-about athletes in the world, and his return to pitching only adds to his legendary status. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball is unparalleled, and his success as both a hitter and pitcher has made him a global icon. Ohtani’s story is one of perseverance, excellence, and dedication to the game of baseball, and his journey with the Dodgers marks a new chapter in what could be one of the most remarkable careers in MLB history.
As Ohtani takes the mound for the first time in a Dodgers uniform, fans around the world will be watching closely. His legacy is already cemented as one of the most talented and unique players in the history of the sport, and his pitching debut in 2025 is a moment that will be etched in the memories of baseball fans for years to come.
