LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani will return to the mound Monday night for the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his first pitching appearance in nearly two years since elbow surgery. He’ll get the start against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, 21 months after his last outing.
The Dodgers announced Ohtani’s return following their 5–4 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. According to manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani is expected to pitch just an inning or two in an opener role as the NL West-leading Dodgers begin a four-game home series against the Padres.
“Shohei is getting antsy, which is a good thing for us,” Roberts said before the team made the decision official. “Whether it’s one or two innings, my guess is probably an inning to start. The live sessions and simulated games ran their course. He’s ready to debut on the mound.”
Ohtani, who last pitched on August 23, 2023, for the Los Angeles Angels before suffering an elbow injury, underwent right elbow surgery on September 19. It was the second major procedure on his arm, following Tommy John surgery in 2018.
Now in the second year of a record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, Ohtani delayed his pitching comeback during spring training to focus on hitting. He resumed bullpen sessions in late March and faced live hitters in batting practice by late May.
Roberts said the organization took a careful, collaborative approach in Ohtani’s recovery.
“There’s been a lot of anticipation,” Roberts said. “We’ve communicated well with Shohei, and everyone feels good about where things are. It’s exciting for the team and especially for Shohei.”
A three-time MVP, Ohtani has continued to dominate at the plate. This season, he’s batting .297 with a National League-best 1.035 OPS, 25 home runs, and 41 RBIs. Last year, serving only as a designated hitter in his first Dodgers season, he hit .290 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries. Rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki is likely to miss extended time with a right shoulder impingement. Along with Sasaki, Blake Snell (left shoulder inflammation) and Tyler Glasnow (right shoulder inflammation) are also on the injured list, forcing the team to rely heavily on bullpen games.
Before Sunday’s game, Roberts acknowledged Sasaki is unlikely to play a major role this season.
“Being thrust into this environment was already a big leap for him,” Roberts said. “Now you add the health issues, the ramp-up time, and the fact that he’s a starter—it just makes sense to be cautious.”
Sasaki, 23, signed with the Dodgers after a standout career in Japan’s Pacific League with the Chiba Lotte Marines. In eight starts, he posted a 4.72 ERA, averaging under 4 1/3 innings per outing. He struck out 24 and walked 22 over 34 1/3 innings, with his fastball velocity dropping 3–4 mph from his norm in Japan to an average of 95.7 mph.
Although Sasaki began throwing again in early June, he was recently shut down after experiencing discomfort. He received a cortisone injection, and Roberts said no further imaging is currently planned.
“I wouldn’t call it pain,” Roberts explained. “Whether it’s tightness, weakness, or just not feeling right—whatever term you use, Roki just isn’t in a place where he can push it. And we’re not going to force that.”
