Shohei Ohtani is returning to the mound. Ohtani will pitch on Monday, serving as the Dodgers starter against the Padres for his first pitching appearance since 2023. Ohtani, who had elbow surgery nearly two years ago, will pitch as an opener, per manager Dave Roberts. He recently threw 44 pitches in a simulated game.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters after Sunday's game that Ohtani would "most likely" make his return to pitching by opening a game against the San Diego Padres this week. Minutes late, the Dodgers announced Ohtani would start the series opener on Monday.

Three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani will make his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut on Monday night, the team announced. In an X post that rocked the baseball fan base on Sunday night, the Dodgers stated that the MLB star will be their starting pitcher for their home game against the San Diego Padres.