Ohtani Shines in Dodgers Debut, Snell Praises Teammate's "Nasty" Performance

On August 28, 2025, Shohei Ohtani made a strong statement in his first win as a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Japanese superstar struck out 9 batters in 5 innings, delivering a season-high performance that impressed his teammate, Blake Snell.

Snell, a fellow member of the Dodgers' starting rotation, took to Instagram to congratulate Ohtani, using a fiery two-word caption: "You nasty @shoheiohtani." This praise from Snell underscores the high caliber of Ohtani's outing against the Cincinnati Reds, which helped the Dodgers complete a series sweep.

Ohtani had entered the game looking to regain the form that made him a 38-19, 3.01 ERA pitcher during his time with the LA Angels. After a couple of rough starts earlier in the month, the 31-year-old was determined to bounce back, and he did just that. Facing some traffic in the second inning, Ohtani was able to strand runners at second and third base, limiting the damage.

The Dodgers' offense provided Ohtani with a four-run cushion in the fourth inning, and he went on to complete the 5-inning performance, earning the win. Ohtani's next projected start is scheduled to be against the Pittsburgh Pirates next Thursday, as the Dodgers' formidable pitching rotation, which also includes Snell, Clayton Kershaw, and others, continues to take shape.