What we learned from Shohei Ohtani's first pitches of 2025

Ohtani did registered as high as 100.2 mph on his fastball, which averaged 99.1 mph on his nine fastballs thrown. That pitch tied for the second-fastest pitch thrown by a Dodgers pitcher this season, showing that Ohtani could still bring plenty of heat.

Along with that notable pitch, he also threw 10 sweepers, eight sinkers and one splitter per Baseball Savant.

The return to the mound was a big moment for Ohtani, who made his 2025 debut much earlier than was expected when spring training began. Working his way back from elbow surgery, the Dodgers were cautious with any kind of timeline for Ohtani before the Japanese superstar wowed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and others with a 44- pitch simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.

Following that was the first time that Roberts admitted there could be a chance that Ohtani would pitch before the All-Star Game. That moment where Ohtani once again became a two-way threat happened on Monday night.

While Ohtani went just one inning on Monday night, it's clear that the Dodgers feel confident with him and his repaired elbow back on the mound. It will still take some time for Ohtani to build up to any kind of starting pitching length, but knowing Ohtani could pitch an inning presents an interesting dilemma for Roberts about exactly how much Ohtani should be used and when moving forward.

What does the immediate future look like for Ohtani? He entered Monday's game with an OPS of 1.034, showing he is still one of the most dangerous offensive threats in baseball today. Add to his prowess at the plate (that includes 25 homers) the potential to be a difference-maker again on the mound and it's clear why the Dodgers took a big sigh of relief in a season filled with starting pitcher injuries when Ohtani walked to the mound on Monday night.