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.

Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night against the San Diego Padres, 21 months after the two-way star had elbow surgery.

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.