Shohei Ohtani is preparing to take the mound for the first time in nearly two years as the Los Angeles Dodgers open their series against the San Diego Padres on Monday night. This marks Ohtani’s first pitching appearance since undergoing elbow surgery in September 2023.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will pitch a short outing, likely one or two innings in an opener-style role. The team hopes to ease him back into action while bolstering a rotation that has been stretched thin due to a wave of injuries.
While sidelined from pitching, Ohtani has continued to shine offensively. He leads the National League with 25 home runs and holds a .297 batting average along with an OPS above 1.000, reaffirming his position as one of baseball’s most dynamic two-way players.
Ohtani’s return adds a major boost to a Dodgers squad with championship aspirations and highlights his rare ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball.
