Shohei Ohtani’s Jaw-Dropping Home Run Leaves MLB Fans Speechless—Watch the Viral Highlight

Los Angeles — Shohei Ohtani’s long-anticipated return to the mound is finally here. The Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed the two-way superstar will start tonight at Dodger Stadium against the division-rival San Diego Padres, marking his first Major League pitching appearance since August 23, 2023. Ohtani Returns to the Rubber After 663 Days • The 30-year-old right-hander underwent elbow surgery in September 2023 and dedicated the past 21 months to rehab and a carefully managed throwing program. • Team doctors cleared Ohtani last week after he completed a 60-pitch live batting-practice session that reportedly topped out at 97 mph. • Manager Dave Roberts said the plan is for Ohtani to work one or two innings as an “opener” while monitoring pitch count and fatigue. Why Ohtani’s Comeback Matters for the Dodgers The Dodgers already own the National League’s best record, but their rotation has battled injuries to Walker Buehler, Bobby Miller, and Clayton Kershaw. Even a shortened version of Ohtani instantly strengthens the staff and reduces pressure on the bullpen. His presence also forces opponents to construct lineups for a 100-mph fastball in the early innings, then adjust to a different look once the relievers enter. What to Watch in Tonight’s Debut 1. Velocity and Cutter Shape 2. Split-Finger Usage — formerly his primary strikeout pitch 3. Command in high-leverage moments 4. Recovery timeline: how quickly he bounces back for a second outing, projected for next weekend in Kansas City Offensive Production Remains Elite While rehabbing his elbow, Ohtani never stopped mashing. He leads MLB with 22 home runs, a .334 batting average, and a 1.042 OPS. If he maintains anything close to that pace while adding even 40–50 innings on the mound, he will be the runaway favorite for a fourth American League MVP award—now reclassified to the National League after signing his record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract with Los Angeles in December 2023. Fan and Media Frenzy Hits Chavez Ravine Ticket resale prices for tonight’s game spiked 145 percent within minutes of the club’s announcement, and the Dodgers have activated additional standing-room sections. Japanese and American media outlets have assigned more than 200 credentialed reporters, rivaling Opening Day attendance in the press box. Implications for the 2025 Playoff Race • NL West standings: Dodgers hold a 6-game lead over the Padres entering the series. • Postseason rotation: If Ohtani can stretch to five innings by September, Los Angeles could roll out a playoff quartet of Ohtani, Buehler, Kershaw, and Tyler Glasnow. • Trade deadline strategy: President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman hinted the club may prioritize bullpen depth instead of another starter if Ohtani’s arm responds well in June. Quotes From the Clubhouse “Ohtani Day is finally here,” said teammate Mookie Betts. “The energy he brings is contagious, and our whole roster feeds off it.” Pitching coach Mark Prior added, “The metrics are strong. His spin rate is right where it was pre-injury, and his competitiveness is off the charts.” How to Watch Ohtani vs. Padres • First pitch: 7:10 p.m. PT, Dodger Stadium • Television: ESPN nationally, SportsNet LA in Southern California • Streaming: MLB.TV out-of-market; authenticated subscribers on ESPN+ Key Career Numbers to Remember • MLB career ERA: 3.01 (86 starts) • Career strikeouts: 608 in 481⅔ innings • Career batting line: .283/.372/.559, 185 HR • WAR since 2021: 31.4 (FanGraphs), tops in baseball What’s Next Assuming no setbacks, the Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to take a regular turn every seven days while remaining the everyday designated hitter. The club projects his workload at roughly 70–80 innings for the remainder of the regular season, positioning him to be a two-way force when October lights turn on. Bottom Line Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound, Dodger blue is brimming with optimism, and baseball fans worldwide are set to witness history as the game’s most electric talent resumes his two-way dominance.