Shohei Ohtani's left knee is fine! He hit a home run in his first at-bat after returning, and stated postgame that the inflammation is related to pitching.

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star of the Los Angeles Dodgers, returned to the starting lineup today as the leadoff hitter in an away game against the Chicago White Sox. In his first at-bat of the first inning, he smashed his 14th home run of the season, marking his third consecutive game with a homer. When discussing the recent left knee inflammation after the game, Ohtani said he is in good physical condition and has no major concerns about playing in upcoming games.

Ohtani left the game early on June 12 against the Pirates due to left knee inflammation and also missed the first game of the series against the White Sox yesterday. However, MRI results showed no bone or structural damage, and after a day of rest, he returned to the starting lineup.

In his first at-bat of the game, Ohtani targeted a high inside four-seam fastball from White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke and launched it into the right-field stands. The ball had an exit velocity of 109.6 mph (about 176.4 km/h) and traveled 409 feet (about 124.7 meters), giving the Dodgers an early lead.

Speaking after the game, Ohtani said, “My physical condition wasn’t bad. After taking a day off yesterday, I felt great this morning, so I decided to play. The result was good too. I think I’ll be able to continue playing without too many concerns from now on.”

Regarding the cause of the left knee discomfort, Ohtani believes it wasn’t due to a single specific movement. He said, “It wasn’t an injury caused by one particular action, so it’s hard to pinpoint which inning it happened. I think it’s related to my pitching mechanics from the last time I took the mound. That game didn’t feel great in terms of pitching, so the issue probably accumulated over that process.”

Ohtani underwent left knee surgery in September 2019, so this knee issue has drawn significant attention. However, he revealed that his recovery continues to progress positively. Ohtani said, “I haven’t fully recovered yet, but my actual swings feel better and better. I still have three to four days before my next start, and I think there’s enough time to recover and make adjustments.”

According to current plans, Ohtani is scheduled to start again on the 18th. He participated in catch and throwing drills before today’s game and gave a positive assessment of his physical condition.