The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that Shohei Ohtani will return to the mound as the starting pitcher in the opener of their four-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres on Monday.
Originally, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Sunday that Ohtani was scheduled to pitch in a simulated game in the coming days. However, the team opted to give their two-way star a spot in the starting rotation against their division rival.
“He’s getting very eager, very excited,” Roberts said. “I think the thought is that given where we’re at right now, anything he can give us is additive, even if it’s an inning or two innings on the front end.”
This outing will mark Ohtani’s first major league pitching appearance since August 23, 2023, and his first start with the Dodgers. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023, three months prior to signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with Los Angeles.
In preparation for his comeback, Ohtani threw 44 pitches over three simulated innings against minor league hitters at the Dodgers’ Arizona spring complex earlier this week.
Ohtani’s return is especially timely given the Dodgers’ current injury struggles in the pitching staff. Starters Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow are all sidelined with shoulder injuries, with no clear timelines for their returns. Sasaki recently had to pause his throwing program after experiencing discomfort.
The Dodgers currently have 14 pitchers on the injured list — the highest number in Major League Baseball.
Over his MLB career, Ohtani has posted a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA in 86 starts, all with the Los Angeles Angels. In 481 2/3 innings, he has struck out 608 batters and walked 173.
As a hitter this season, Ohtani is batting .297 with 41 RBIs in 70 games. He leads the National League with 25 home runs and boasts a 1.035 OPS. The three-time MVP continues to be a key player for the Dodgers both on the mound and at the plate.
