Shohei Ohtani's first start of the 2026 MLB season was a successful step toward his Cy Young ambitions. The Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star pitched six scoreless innings against the Cleveland Guardians, allowing only one hit in a 4-1 victory on a chilly Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.
While dominant overall, Ohtani's outing included flashes of wildness, resulting in three walks and a hit batter. He struck out six batters, all swinging, showcasing his deep arsenal. The lone hit against him was a fourth-inning double by Rhys Hoskins.
Ohtani's pitch mix showed interesting adjustments, with increased reliance on his curveball and splitter compared to recent years, though his sweeper remained effective. His velocity was slightly down from 2025 averages, but he still hit 99.2 mph. The start was efficient, requiring 87 pitches to complete six frames, a marked improvement from his spring training outings.
The unique nature of his two-way role was humorously highlighted when Ohtani, after finishing the top of the fifth inning, initially forgot he was due to lead off the bottom half at the plate. At the plate, he reached base three times via two walks and a single, though he is still seeking his first extra-base hit of the young season.
With one start complete and a 0.00 ERA, Ohtani's focus on pitching is clear as he embarks on the unprecedented pursuit of Cy Young honors while maintaining his status as one of baseball's most feared hitters.