Shohei Ohtani shows some rust in 1st pitching appearance since 2023

Dave Roberts joins Colin Cowherd on The Herd to discuss managing Shohei Ohtani, the greatest player in baseball, and what he brings to the Los Angeles Dodgers both on and off the field.

Shohei Ohtani appeared to be a bit rusty on the mound as he made his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut on Monday night against the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani opened the game by allowing one run on two hits in the lone inning he pitched. He threw 28 pitches in his appearance, which was the second most by any Dodgers pitcher throughout the game.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, #17, waves near the mound during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres on Monday, June 16, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Still, it was a massive first step to get back to the mound for live-game action as he went 21 months without pitching due to an elbow injury. He threw a fastball at 100.2 mph.

"I was aiming to sit 95-96," Ohtani said through a translator after the Dodgers won the game 6-3, "but the game intensity really allowed me to throw a little harder."

Ohtani admitted his nerves were heightened a bit more for the outing. He went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBI, a walk and two strikeouts.

2025 WORLD SERIES ODDS: DODGERS FAVORED; GIANTS TAKE BIG JUMP

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, #17, throws to a San Diego Padres batter during the first inning of a baseball game on Monday, June 16, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

"But I did hit 100 (mph) today, so I want to see first where my body feels and how it reacts," he said. "But the expectation is for me to go once a week. Hopefully to be able to go a little longer