While Ohtani was able to excel as the Dodgers' designated hitter in 2024, the real draw was his ability to pitch at an elite level while also swinging a hot bat in the same game.

Ohtani would serve as the club’s opener Monday against the San Diego Padres and make his pitching debut for the franchise 20 months removed from his September 2023 procedure.

Though Ohtani led L.A. to a World Series championship last year, the 30-year-old was kept off the mound and used solely as a designated hitter, with the Dodgers coaching staff preferring not to rush t...