Shoehi Ohtani’s debut wasn’t perfect, but it also could have gone a lot worse. After not pitching in nearly two years, the Japanese right-hander clearly showed signs of rust and lack of command in his first big league action of the season.

Exactly 663 days since he last pitched in a Major League game, the Dodgers superstar returned to the mound on Monday night—and quickly unleashed some eye-popping stuff.

The day that the Dodgers have been waiting for since they signed Shohei Ohtani to a then-record contract is nearly here: Ohtani's first start as a pitcher in a Dodgers uniform is set for Monday night against the Padres.

Shohei Ohtani allowed an early run in his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but quickly made up for it with two clutch hits and a pair of RBIs in a 6-3 victory over the San Diego Padres.

One aspect that works in the Dodgers' favor here: Ohtani's two-way player status. He doesn't count against Los Angeles' 13-pitcher roster limit, meaning that the Dodgers will be able to navigate his truncated appearances with a full support staff.

Hours before Shohei Ohtani’s first MLB pitching appearance in nearly two years, his scandal-scarred former interpreter reported to federal prison.

Ahead of his return to the mound, and Dodgers pitching debut, the two-way sensation continues to showcase his unique greatness.

Even as the Dodgers are getting back Shohei Ohtani on the mound,  the banged-up Los Angeles pitching staff suffered another blow. The Dodgers announced Ohtani will start on Monday night against the Padres,