by Megan Garcia
Hours before Shohei Ohtani hit a leadoff home run, he was facing hitters in a live batting practice in Citi Field.
The two-way player throwing off a Major League mound for the first time since August 23, 2023, was a milestone in his return as pitcher. And it was sight to behold for the Dodgers.
“I think we got something out of it — 22 pitches, touched 97 (mph), threw some sweepers, some cutters, two-seam, four-seam,” said manager Dave Roberts. “I thought it was a good first step.”
Sunday was a preview of a version of Ohtani that the Dodgers haven’t seen yet — one that can contribute to both sides of the ball in a game.
His leadoff homer accounted for the Dodgers’ lone run in the 3–1 loss to the Mets. It tied him for the Major League lead with 18. He shares the top spot with Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber.
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With a 1–0 lead, Landon Knack took the mound for his fifth start. But the Mets seized the lead with two outs in the first with Pete Alonso’s two-run homer. Juan Soto reached base in the prior at-bat on a fielding error by Mookie Betts.
The Mets extended their lead to 3–1 in the third when Franscico Lindor scored on a force out.
Knack’s six innings against the Mets marked a season high for the right-hander. He allowed three runs (one earned) and struck out five without a walk. Knack retired 11 of the last 12 batters he faced.
Jack Dreyer and Lou Trivino tag-teamed for two scoreless relief innings.
Freddie Freeman also collected two hits for his 18th multi-hit game this season. Ohtani went 1-for-4 in the series finale.
“I’ve gotten so used to seeing him as a hitter, so to see him on the mound solely as a pitcher, it was different,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s certainly exciting for all of us.”
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Ohtani’s teammates watched from the visiting dugout and behind a batting practice screen at home plate.
Ohtani faced three hitters in two simulated innings. Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing were two of the hitters to face him.
“It was pretty cool, you come out here and you pretty much have the whole clubhouse sitting here and watching him throw off the mound,” Rushing said. “It’s been a big topic in baseball — everyone wants to see his first live BP.”
Roberts said there was a big jump in Ohtani’s velocity on Sunday compared to his bullpen sessions. For his next steps, Ohtani will throw a touch-and-feel session on Wednesday followed by another live BP next weekend according to Roberts.
Ohtani continues to crush homers while making progress on the mound was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.