Shohei Ohtani made an impressive return to competitive pitching Wednesday, tossing 4⅓ scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona. The Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander surrendered one hit, two walks and a hit by pitch while striking out four on 61 pitches.

Ohtani's fastball reached 99 mph on his first strikeout of the afternoon, fanning Willy Adames. Ohtani had not pitched in a competitive setting since Game 7 of the World Series on November 1.

"The stuff was really good. It's going to get more crisp as he gets out there and gets regular pitching," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "To have him touch the fifth inning was a huge win for us."

Ohtani navigated 100-degree temperatures at Camelback Ranch, needing just five pitches to retire the Giants in the first inning. His lone blemish came in the second, when Heliot Ramos led off with a double before Ohtani retired three straight batters.

"I was pretty happy with the pitch count today," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "In terms of the next outing, I do want to be better at executing on two-strike counts."

The 31-year-old is targeting his first full pitching season since 2022, when he went 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA for the Los Angeles Angels. An elbow injury sidelined him on the mound throughout 2024. Last season, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA over 14 regular-season starts, helping Los Angeles capture its second straight World Series title.

Roberts said Ohtani will make one more preseason start next week before the regular season opens March 26. Ohtani is expected to serve as the designated hitter Friday against San Diego.