Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound. The Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed his long-awaited pitching return.
Ohtani will start for the Dodgers (1.75) on Monday night (Tuesday morning SAST) against the San Diego Padres. This comes 21 months after the Japanese superstar underwent elbow surgery.
Ohtani Set to Open vs. Padres
The announcement came shortly after the Dodgers edged out a 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. Ohtani will most likely serve as an opener rather than a traditional starter as Los Angeles kicks off a four-game home series against San Diego.
“Shohei is getting antsy, which is a good thing for us,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the club confirmed Ohtani’s return to the mound, as quoted by CBS News.
Roberts added, “I don’t know if it’s going to be one or two innings, but my guess is probably an inning to start. But it’s a good thing. The live, simulated, or whatever, sort of ran its course. He’s ready to make his debut on the mound.”
The Dodgers’ careful build-up suggests they are easing Ohtani back into pitching gradually. Fans will closely watch this approach.
A Long Road to Recovery
Ohtani has not pitched in a professional game since August 23, 2023. That outing ended in injury while he was still with the Los Angeles Angels, playing against the Cincinnati Reds. He had Tommy John surgery on October 1, 2018, and then underwent another elbow procedure on September 19, 2023.
Despite signing a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers, Ohtani put pitching on hold early this year. After throwing off the mound on February 25, he shifted his focus to batting ahead of Opening Day. He resumed bullpen work on March 29 and live batting practice on May 25.
Now, nearly three months later, he is ready to take the ball once again. And for Roberts, this return means more than just filling a gap in the rotation.
“There’s been a lot of anticipation,” Roberts said. “I think we’ve done it the right way as far as our process, communicating with Shohei and feeling good. … It’s good for our team. Our guys are excited about this potential. And, most importantly, I’m excited for Shohei.”
Dominant at the Plate, Ready to Pitch
Even while not pitching, Ohtani has been a force with the bat. He currently leads the National League with a 1.035 OPS. He is also hitting .297 with 25 home runs and 41 RBIs. Last season, he posted a .290 average with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases—despite being used solely as a batter.
His dual-threat status makes him a unique asset in Major League Baseball. Few players generate this level of buzz, and his return to pitching only enhances the Dodgers’ status as contenders.
As the Dodgers struggle with rotation depth due to injuries, Ohtani’s return could not come at a better time.
Injuries Pile Up for Dodgers
The timing is especially crucial given the injuries Los Angeles is dealing with. Rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki, a prized acquisition from Japan, is expected to miss a long stretch. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are also sidelined with shoulder inflammation.
Sasaki has not pitched since May 9 and is now being considered more as a long-term project rather than an immediate contributor. Roberts was cautious in addressing the situation.
“I think that’s what the mindset should be,” he said before Sunday’s game. “Being thrust into this environment certainly was a big undertaking for him, and now you layer in the health part and the fact he’s a starting pitcher, knowing what the build-up (required to return) entails … I think that’s the prudent way to go about it.”
Sasaki Shut Down After Setback
The 23-year-old Sasaki showed glimpses of his potential but struggled with consistency. In eight starts, he went 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA. He averaged just under 4.1 innings per start, striking out 24 while walking 22 in 34.1 innings. His velocity dipped compared to his days with the Chiba Lotte Marines, with his fastball averaging 95.7 mph, 3 to 4 mph slower than in Japan.
He began throwing again in early June, seemingly pain-free. However, that progress was short-lived. This past week, he reported renewed discomfort and has since received a cortisone shot.
“I don’t think it’s pain,” Roberts explained. “I don’t know if it’s discomfort, if it’s tightness, if he’s just not feeling strong, whatever the adjective you want to use. That’s more of a question for Roki, as far as the sensation he’s feeling.
“He’s just not feeling like he can ramp it up, and we’re not going to push him to do something he doesn’t feel good about right now.”
Final Thoughts
Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching is more than a headline; it’s a boost for the Dodgers’ morale and competitiveness. With key arms on the injured list, his presence, even in limited innings, offers both relief and excitement.
The matchup against the Padres will serve as a test of his recovery and a glimpse of what’s to come. For Dodgers fans and online sports betting markets, all eyes will be on the mound when Ohtani makes his return.
