A day before making his first start on a big-league mound since Sept. 2, 2018, the normally reserved Shohei Ohtani expressed anxiety abound the task ahead, describing his mentality as, ""Definitely not neutral...Some worry, some excitement," according to Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times.
In Sunday's long-awaited start against the Oakland Athletics, those nerves were apparent.
Ohtani faced six batters in the first inning and did not record an out, allowing three singles and three walks. He allowed a leadoff single to Marcus Semien before walking three consecutive batters. An RBI single by Robbie Grossman put Oakland ahead, 4-0, and ended the disappointing day for Ohtani.