On September 5, 2025, baseball fans worldwide witnessed another remarkable chapter in the extraordinary career of Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar. In a surprising turn of events, Ohtani made an emergency start against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, stepping in for teammate Tyler Glasnow, who was scratched due to back tightness. This blog post dives into the details of Ohtani’s unexpected mound appearance, his reflections on the experience, and what it means for the Dodgers as they navigate the final stretch of the 2025 MLB season.
The Backstory: Ohtani’s Emergency Call to the Mound
(Nikkan Sports News)
The Dodgers faced a challenging moment when their scheduled starting pitcher, Tyler Glasnow, was ruled out just hours before the game against the Orioles. Glasnow, a key figure in the Dodgers’ rotation, reported back tightness, prompting manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior to turn to Ohtani. Originally slated to pitch on September 8, Ohtani received a call while at the team hotel, asking if he could take the mound on short notice. His response was concise and confident: “I’m good to go.” This willingness to step up in a critical moment underscores Ohtani’s dedication to his team and his ability to adapt under pressure.
Ohtani’s emergency start was particularly notable because he had been dealing with a chest cold earlier in the week, which forced him to miss a scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 3. Despite this setback, Ohtani felt significantly better by the time he faced the Orioles. “I was relatively on the mend, so physically, I felt much better than in Pittsburgh,” he said. “The first and second games in Pittsburgh were the toughest, but today wasn’t as bad.” His performance reflected this recovery, as he delivered 3 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out five batters and reaching a blazing 101.5 mph (163 km/h) with his fastball.
Ohtani’s Performance: A Display of Versatility
Ohtani’s ability to seamlessly transition from designated hitter to starting pitcher is a testament to his rare talent as a two-way player. Against the Orioles, he retired the first five batters and navigated a tense fourth inning, where he allowed a double and a wild pitch but struck out two batters with high-velocity pitches to escape unscathed. Despite throwing 70 pitches, Ohtani was pulled before completing the fourth inning to avoid overexertion, given the short-notice circumstances and his recent illness. Reliever Anthony Banda preserved Ohtani’s scoreless effort by stranding a runner.
This outing lowered Ohtani’s 2025 ERA to 3.75, a solid mark considering he is still building up his workload after a nearly two-year pitching hiatus following his second Tommy John surgery. His resilience and ability to perform under suboptimal conditions highlight why he is often compared to legends like Babe Ruth. Ohtani’s performance wasn’t enough to secure a win, as the Dodgers fell 2-1 in a walk-off loss to the Orioles, but his effort provided a much-needed boost for a team grappling with offensive struggles and injuries.
The Bigger Picture: Teamwork and the Final Stretch
Ohtani’s comments after the game emphasized the importance of teamwork in navigating the grueling 162-game MLB season. “It’s not something that happens often, but if we all cover for each other, I think we can get through the long season successfully,” he said. With less than a month remaining in the regular season, Ohtani stressed the importance of staying healthy and battling through challenges as a unit. The Dodgers, with a 78-62 record, are clinging to a two-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West, making every game critical as they push for a postseason berth.
The Dodgers’ recent skid—losing six of their last seven games, including four straight to last-place teams—has raised concerns about their form heading into October. Injuries to key players like catcher Will Smith (hand contusion) and backup catcher Dalton Rushing (leg injury) have further strained the roster. Ohtani’s willingness to step up in Glasnow’s absence reflects his leadership and commitment to helping the Dodgers overcome these challenges.
Ohtani’s Global Appeal: A Cultural Icon
For an international audience, Shohei Ohtani is more than just a baseball player—he’s a global icon. Born in Japan, Ohtani has transcended cultural boundaries with his extraordinary talent and humble demeanor. His nickname, “Shotime,” resonates with fans worldwide, and his inclusion in Fortnite in 2025 marked him as the first MLB player to appear in the game, further cementing his cultural impact. Ohtani’s ability to connect with fans across languages and cultures is enhanced by his passable English and Spanish, though he often uses an interpreter to communicate with the media, ensuring clarity and respect for his audience.
Ohtani’s journey from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB stardom with the Los Angeles Angels and now the Dodgers has inspired millions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Shohei Ohtani make an emergency start against the Orioles?
Ohtani stepped in for Tyler Glasnow, who was scratched from the September 5, 2025, game due to back tightness. Ohtani was called at the team hotel and agreed to pitch on short notice.
2. How did Ohtani perform in his emergency start?
Ohtani pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out five and allowing three hits and a walk. His fastest pitch reached 101.5 mph, showcasing his elite velocity despite recent illness.
3. Why was Ohtani’s start shorter than usual?
Due to the short-notice nature of the start and his recent chest cold, the Dodgers limited Ohtani to 70 pitches to avoid overexertion, pulling him in the fourth inning.
4. How does Ohtani’s two-way ability impact the Dodgers?
Ohtani’s versatility as a pitcher and hitter provides the Dodgers with flexibility, especially during injury crises. His ability to step up in emergencies, like Glasnow’s absence, boosts team morale and competitiveness.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s emergency start against the Orioles on September 5, 2025, was a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and team-first mentality. Despite a recent illness and the Dodgers’ ongoing struggles, Ohtani delivered a scoreless performance that energized his team and captivated fans worldwide. As the Dodgers push toward the postseason, Ohtani’s ability to rise to the occasion will be crucial. For international fans, his story is a reminder of the universal language of sports—where talent, dedication, and heart transcend borders. Stay tuned for more updates on Ohtani and the Dodgers as they chase another NL West title!
