Shohei Ohtani made a triumphant return to the starting rotation this season, showcasing his readiness for a full two-way campaign. In the Dodgers' 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, Ohtani's performance on the mound was nothing short of impressive.
Battling through rain and a challenging mound, he delivered 87 pitches over six shutout innings, allowing just one hit, three walks, and striking out six. While his batting stats were modest-1-for-3 with two walks-his pitching was the real highlight.
Reflecting on his outing, Ohtani shared with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA how he felt about being back on the mound, facing both the Guardians and the elements. "I felt really good going into the game," he said. "The weather wasn’t ideal, but it was a valuable experience early in the season."
As the 2026 season unfolds, the Dodgers are navigating the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. Will Smith, who has been at the forefront of the team's challenges, discussed the impact with David Vassegh of AM 570.
He noted that umpires seem more focused, resulting in fewer overturned calls. "I think it’s good for the game," Smith remarked.
"The most important thing is getting the call right, and they’re doing their best."
Adding a touch of fun to the game, Tuesday was Yoshi bobblehead night at the ballpark. The Dodgers created a memorable moment with a playful nod to the "Spiderman meme," featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the character Yoshi, and actor Donald Glover, who will portray Yoshi in the upcoming "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie."