Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits 2-run home run after giving up lead-off home run in latest pitching start

Shohei Ohtani bounced back perfectly on Monday night in a way that only he could.

Ohtani returned to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday for the first time since the All-Star break in their matchup with the Minnesota Twins. Though he gave up a home run right off the bat at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani made sure that the Dodgers were back out in front by the time he returned for the second inning.

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Ohtani, after Mookie Betts was walked to start the game, hit a two-run home run to center field. It marked his 35th home run of the season.

The home run came just minutes after Twins star Byron Buxton hit a deep home run to kick off the night in the top of the inning. That was the first extra base hit that Ohtani has allowed all season.

Ohtani ended up striking out two in the inning to limit the damage.

Ohtani was pulled after three innings on Monday night, which matched his longest start of the season. He was replaced by Dustin May. Ohtani gave up four hits and had three strikeouts while throwing 46 pitches.

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Monday night marked the sixth time Ohtani has taken the mound since returning from a torn UCL. That’s been a slow process, too, though he’s lasted longer on the mound as time has gone on. He pitched just one inning in each of his first two starts, then he lasted two innings in the following two appearances. Right before the All-Star break, Ohtani had a season-high four strikeouts in three innings against the San Francisco Giants.

Though Monday night’s performance didn’t get off to the best start, Ohtani expertly made his way through it and came out just fine.

Freddie Freeman returns after wrist injury

Despite what looked like a significant wrist injury the day before, Dodgers star Freddie Freeman returned to the lineup on Monday as if nothing had happened.

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Freeman left the afternoon after he took an 88 mph sinker directly to the wrist. He immediately pulled himself from the game, too, and was ruled out with a left wrist contusion.

His X-rays after that game were negative, though, and he was considered day-to-day. Then on Monday, Freeman was right back in the Dodgers’ lineup. He said he felt a little sore ahead of the game, but was otherwise good to go.

This post will be updated with more information shortly.