Ohtani Feels 'Loose and Easy' in First Pitching Appearance

The two-way superstar aims to win his first Cy Young Award with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:06am

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Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a $700 million, 10-year deal before the 2024 season, got off to a strong start in his bid to win a Cy Young Award with six shutout innings in his first outing on the mound this season. Ohtani felt more 'loose and easy' pitching compared to last season, though he still sees room for improvement.

Why it matters

Ohtani's success as a dominant two-way player is crucial for the Dodgers, who have been waiting to see a full-time, two-way version of the superstar since he joined the team. His ability to excel both at the plate and on the mound could be the key to the Dodgers' championship aspirations.

The details

Ohtani struck out six and walked three batters in his six scoreless innings, allowing only one hit. He also went 1 for 3 with two walks and a strikeout at the plate. The Dodgers have taken a methodical approach to Ohtani's return to the mound, as he was limited to two spring training starts due to his participation in the World Baseball Classic for Japan.

  • Ohtani's shutout streak dates back to August 27, 2025, against the Cincinnati Reds, the longest of his career.
  • Ohtani will get six days' rest before his next start.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way superstar who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a $700 million, 10-year deal before the 2024 season. He is aiming to win his first Cy Young Award.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has noticed that Ohtani is more critical of himself as a pitcher than a hitter.

Max Muncy

The Dodgers' third baseman, who expects Ohtani to have a Cy Young-caliber season.

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What they’re saying

“Last year, I felt good. But this year I do feel a lot more loose and easy pitching overall. Looking back at today's outing specifically, that wasn't necessarily the case. So that's something I want to work on. But compared to last season I felt more loose and easy.”

— Shohei Ohtani

“He's never going to be satisfied. There's always something that he can improve on or get better at and that's what fuels him.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

“If he's able to do it the whole year, that's just a huge boost to our pitching staff. I expect nothing short of almost a Cy Young out of him.”

— Max Muncy, Third Baseman

What’s next

Ohtani will make his next start in six days, as the Dodgers look to manage his workload and keep him healthy for a potential Cy Young-caliber season.

The takeaway

Ohtani's ability to excel as both a dominant pitcher and a powerful hitter makes him a unique and invaluable asset for the Dodgers. His continued development and commitment to improving his craft on the mound could be the key to the team's championship aspirations.