Braves legend Jon Smoltz made his feelings known about the rumblings of Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani's utilization as a pitcher when he comes back from injury.

Shohei Ohtani threw 22 pitches across five simulated plate appearances at Citi Field ahead of his Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the New York Mets, facing hitters for the first time in almost two years.

There’s nothing like chowing down on a Dodger Dog or sipping blue margaritas at Dodger Stadium. But thanks to Shohei Ohtani, the superstar slugger for the team, fans can buy all kinds of Japanese food. It’s part of the so-called Ohtani effect, says Eater LA Reporter Mona Holmes.

I mean, there is some data we have, but some, a lot of it is just how he's feeling, he understands his body,” Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said.

An entertainer entertained right from the jump, first going through a mock sticky-substance check before facing off with Hyeseong Kim, who sent a hard-hit comebacker right at Ohtani — who stabbed it with his glove with no issue, plenty of “Wow” heard from the Dodgers contingent.

The two-way superstar faced hitters for the first time since elbow surgery, throwing 22 pitches at Citi Field a few hours before launching a leadoff homer for the NL West-leading Dodgers in a 3-1 loss to the New York Mets.

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has hit a leadoff homer in consecutive games for the second time in his career on Monday night.

According to reports out of New York, Ohtani had a pair of strikeouts and a walk. Kim doubled and grounded back to the mound.

On the eve of Shohei Ohtani facing batters for the first time since elbow surgery in September 2023, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the two-way star likely won’t return to a major league mound until after the All-Star break.