Aug 2, 2020; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the game at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Angels Baseball/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network

Last week, Shohei Ohtani made his return to the mound for his first pitching appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018, and it was a very rough outing. Ohtani failed to record an out against six Oakland A’s batters over 30 pitches, and allowed five earned runs. What may have concerned the Angels more than the results was that Ohtani’s velocity was way down, with his fastball averaging 92.9 mph (after 96.7 mph in 2018).

Well, Ohtani made his second start of the 2020 MLB season on Sunday, and it was once again a huge struggle. Ohtani threw 1 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs and five walks before being removed in the second inning.

The first inning was actually completed in 1-2-3 fashion by Ohtani, but he walked five batters in the second inning — and threw a wild pitch — while recording just two outs over 42 pitches.

Now, it’s important to note that Ohtani should’ve gotten out of the inning with zero runs allowed, but home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez decided that this 94 mph fastball in the zone was instead Ball 4, resulting in a bases loaded walk and Houston’s first run.

Additionally, Ohtani was hitting 95-97 mph on the radar gun, so we at least know it’s there.

However, the velocity fell hard on his final pitches; granted, in a 42-pitch inning on an 82-degree day, that could be normal fatigue setting in for a pitcher.

Through 1 2/3 innings on the season, Ohtani has allowed three hits, seven earned runs (37.80 ERA), eight walks, and has struck out three batters. It’s very, very early, and at least Ohtani showed that he has 95-97 mph in the tank still, but it’s not exactly the start to his pitching return that he and the Angels hoped for.

Ohtani has already hit two incredible home runs, at least, and will add value to the Angels one way or another in 2020.

UPDATE: Well, this is concerning. Ohtani “expressed some discomfort after pitching” and will undergo an MRI, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

UPDATE II: The Angels announced on Monday that Ohtani has been diagnosed with a grade 1-2 strain of the flexor pronator mass. They added, “a general timetable for beginning a throwing progression following this injury is 4-6 weeks.”

Now, it appears that Ohtani may be able to keep playing as a hitter, but that news may mean his season is already over as a pitcher. He can’t keep begin throwing for 4-6 weeks, which immediately takes us into September (and potentially well into September). And it’s hard to see the Angels rushing him back after what what they just witnessed in his return from a two-year absence on the mound.

UPDATE III: As expected, Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch again this season, according to Angels manager Joe Maddon.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.