Ohtani Starting Pitcher: Padres vs Angels
- Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' star, is set to pitch in a major league game for the first time in nearly two years.
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is eager to return.
- The plan is for ohtani to be an opener, pitching around one or two innings before Ben Casparius takes over.
Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound! The Los Angeles Dodgers‘ superstar will start tonight’s game against the San diego Padres, marking his first MLB pitching appearance as August 2023. Having fully recovered from elbow surgery, Ohtani is set to serve as an opener, pitching one or two innings before handing the ball to Ben Casparius. The news comes after a recent two-homer game, signaling Ohtani’s readiness. This return is a notable boost for the Dodgers, especially with key pitching injuries. News Directory 3 is following the story closely. What strategic impact will this early pitching role have for Ohtani’s season overall? Discover what’s next …
Shohei Ohtani Returns to the Mound for Dodgers
Updated June 16, 2025
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star, is set to pitch in a major league game for the first time in nearly two years. The Dodgers announced that ohtani will start Monday night’s game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
Ohtani’s last pitching appearance was Aug. 23,2023,while with the Los Angeles Angels. He has since recovered from elbow surgery.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is eager to return. “Shohei is getting antsy,which is a good thing for us,” Roberts said. “He’s ready. It’s time to go.”
The plan is for ohtani to be an opener, pitching around one or two innings before Ben Casparius takes over. The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Ohtani’s return.
“He’s going to open for us,” Roberts said. “The live simulated games have run its course and he’s ready to make his debut on the mound. It’s great for the game. I’m excited for Shohei.”
Ohtani told reporters he was ready to pitch again after a two-homer game Saturday night.
Ohtani underwent elbow surgery on Sept.19, 2023, after tearing his UCL for the second time. He signed a 10-year deal with the Dodgers last December and has been focused on hitting until now.
Roberts noted that Ohtani felt ready to pitch in a major league game after simulated games. “He said doing the three innings live is taxing on his body,” Roberts said.
Despite not pitching this season, Ohtani has been a valuable player for the Dodgers, leading the National League in OPS.
The Dodgers have been dealing with a number of pitching injuries, making ohtani’s return timely. roki Sasaki is out with a shoulder impingement, and Tyler Glasnow is also on the IL.
“He’s just not feeling strong,” Roberts said of Sasaki. “We’re not going to push him.”
Ohtani’s return provides a boost to the Dodgers amid the injuries.
roberts added, “This is very exciting…The anticipation here for the game, man it’s going to be bananas.”
What’s next
Ohtani’s return to the mound offers hope for the Dodgers as they navigate a challenging stretch with multiple pitching injuries. his performance will be closely watched as he aims to contribute both as a hitter and a pitcher.