The wait is finally over. Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, is poised to make his highly anticipated return to the pitching mound on Monday night, marking his first appearance as a pitcher for the Dodgers.
This start against the San Diego Padres comes after a nearly two-year absence from game action on the rubber, a period necessitated by a second significant elbow surgery. Ohtani’s last time pitching in a Major League Baseball game was August 23, 2023, while still with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani’s Road Back
Following his right elbow surgery on September 19, 2023 (a procedure that followed his initial Tommy John surgery in 2018), Ohtani has focused exclusively on hitting for the Dodgers this season, signing a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract in the offseason.
His recovery process has been carefully managed. He paused mound work in late February to prepare for opening day as a hitter, began bullpen sessions in late March, and progressed to batting practice in late May. A crucial step came on June 11 when he threw 44 pitches over three simulated innings against live minor-league batters, drawing positive feedback from manager Dave Roberts regarding his fastball velocity and effective sweeper pitch.
Strategy for the Return
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will take the mound on Monday. He indicated the plan is to ease the right-hander back into pitching by using him as an “opener” in his initial outing.
“Shohei is getting antsy, which is a good thing for us,” Roberts stated, acknowledging Ohtani’s eagerness to contribute on the mound again. While the exact pitch count will be monitored, Roberts suggested Ohtani will likely throw just one or two innings to start, stating that simulated sessions “sort of ran its course” and he’s ready for a big league game.
The “Two-Way Player” Advantage
A key factor enabling Ohtani’s return in a limited capacity is his designation as a “two-way player” under MLB rules. This unique classification allows him to pitch without counting against the standard 13-pitcher roster limit, essentially providing the Dodgers with an extra arm on the staff.
This flexibility means Ohtani doesn’t need a full build-up to a traditional starter’s workload immediately. The team can strategically integrate him back, potentially using a “piggyback” pitcher behind him. Roberts emphasized that “anything he can give us is certainly going to be additive.” Furthermore, recent rule changes allow Ohtani to remain in the game as the designated hitter even after being removed from the mound, ensuring his potent bat stays in the lineup.
Impact on the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff
Ohtani’s return comes at a crucial time for the Dodgers’ pitching rotation, which has been grappling with significant injuries. Key arms like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Tony Gonsolin are currently on the injured list, forcing the team to rely on less experienced pitchers and utilize more bullpen games recently.
Adding context to the staff’s challenges is the status of rookie Roki Sasaki. Roberts indicated that Sasaki is likely to be sidelined for a lengthy period due to right shoulder impingement and is not expected to be part of the team’s long-term pitching plans this season. Sasaki, who joined from Japan’s Pacific League, struggled in his initial eight starts (1-1, 4.72 ERA), showing a noticeable drop in fastball velocity compared to his time in Japan and experiencing discomfort after resuming throwing despite receiving a cortisone injection. Roberts stressed a cautious approach, noting Sasaki isn’t feeling strong enough to ramp up his throwing.
Dominance as a Hitter Continues
Despite not pitching, Ohtani has been a dominant force at the plate this season. He is currently hitting .297 with an NL-leading 1.035 OPS, 25 home runs, and 41 RBIs. Last season, in his first year purely as a batter with the Dodgers due to initial recovery, he hit .290 with 54 homers and 130 RBIs. His continued offensive excellence provides a formidable foundation for the team as he reintegrates pitching into his game.
Anticipation and Significance
The anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s return to the mound in a Dodgers uniform is immense. It represents a significant milestone in his recovery journey and adds a thrilling new dimension to the team as they navigate a competitive National League West race. Having the unique dual threat of Ohtani available to both hit and pitch, even in a limited role initially, provides a substantial boost to the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations and marks a potentially historic moment in the sport.
