It wasn’t a perfect performance by Shohei Ohtani. But Monday night’s long-awaited return to the mound marked a resounding success for Ohtani and the Dodgers nonetheless.

In the last season that he pitched in 2023, Ohtani had a 3.13 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and a 10-5 record, helping him earn a second AL MVP. Unfortunately, his season on the mound was cut short as he underwent surgery for a UCL tear in his right elbow in September. Since then, he's been on the road to recovery.

After the San Francisco Giants acquired Rafael Devers, one of the Dodgers' starting pitchers, Clayton Kershaw, was very complimentary of the rival organization.

Rafael Devers was formally introduced by the Giants on Tuesday, strolling into the clubhouse side-by-side with Barry Bonds. And whatever went wrong in Boston, Devers is done discussing any issues he had with the Red Sox and eager to move forward.