Shohei Ohtani returns from injury and hits 1 hit, Dodgers lose to Padres 1-5

Shohei Ohtani. (File photo, Associated Press)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] Dodger Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani returned to the team today. He scored 1 hit and 1 walk in 4 hits. The Dodgers finally lost to the Padres 1-5. Dodgers head coach Dave Roberts said after the game that Ohtani's condition looked good.

Shohei Ohtani has recently been troubled by left knee inflammation and right biceps injury. He was placed on the disabled list in early September and returned to the team today. "Hitter Shohei" hit a single in the first at-bat. The ball's initial velocity was 99 miles (about 159.3 kilometers). Ohtani had 1 hit, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts in 4 at-bats. His batting average after the game was 0.277.

Talking about Ohtani Shohei's situation, Robles said, "I think the quality of these pitches is also very good. I didn't chase the ball. I think the ball he hit on the first pitch was also the strongest. After all, he hasn't played in a game for a while, but the overall feeling is that he didn't hit it too hastily at all."

Roberts believes that one of the keys to Ohtani's comeback is his ball selection ability. "I think those two things are closely related. When you are not in good physical condition, not strong enough, and not responsive enough, you usually have to release the bat early. But when you feel healthy and strong, you feel like you can see the ball clearly, trust your eyes and swing the bat, and I think that's what everyone saw tonight."