Shohei Ohtani made his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup Wednesday night after spending 15 days on the injured list, immediately giving fans something to celebrate.
The Japanese superstar stepped into the batter’s box as the designated hitter and hit second in the lineup against the San Diego Padres. In his first plate appearance, Ohtani lined a pitch into right field for a single, receiving a loud ovation from the crowd.
Ohtani finished the game 1-for-4 with a walk and two strikeouts as the Dodgers eventually lost 5-1. His return was focused primarily on his physical condition after dealing with right biceps discomfort and soreness in his left knee.
Did Ohtani look healthy in his return?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the star appeared comfortable at the plate and showed good swing quality, an encouraging sign with the postseason approaching.
Ohtani will continue playing as a hitter, while the Dodgers prepare for the final stretch of the regular season and the upcoming MLB playoffs.
