LOS ANGELES — After months of speculation and cautious buildup, the wait is over: Shohei Ohtani will return to a Major League mound for the first time in over a year. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will open Monday’s series opener against the Padres at Dodger Stadium, marking his long-anticipated return to two-way play.
“There’s a high probability he’s going to open for us in the coming days,” Roberts told reporters after Sunday’s game. “It’s a good thing. I don’t know if it’s going to be one or two innings, but my guess is probably an inning to start.”
That guess is now official. Ohtani will take the ball on Monday night, stepping back into a role that’s been vacant since he underwent elbow surgery in September of 2023. While the Dodgers have eased the two-way superstar into action throughout the 2025 season—utilizing him exclusively as a designated hitter—his progression through live bullpen sessions and simulated games has reached its end. According to Roberts, Ohtani himself gave the green light.
“He just kind of reinforced, ‘I’m ready. I want to get out there,’” Roberts said. “We’ve done the three-inning live [sessions], and those can be a little more taxing on his body. So we’re at a point where we’re probably getting diminishing returns from that format. He’s ready to pitch in a Major League game, and he let us know that.”
The plan, for now, is to let Ohtani ease into mound work gradually, starting as an opener and stretching out as the schedule allows. When asked whether the team would continue adding an inning each week, Roberts said, “Yeah, I think so. Where the ceiling of that is, I don’t know. But the floor is one [inning], obviously, and we’ll go from there.”
If things go smoothly, Ohtani could theoretically make three or four short outings before the All-Star break, depending on how his arm responds.
For Roberts, Monday will be more than just a strategic addition to his pitching staff—it’s a moment of awe and significance for the sport.
“I’m still a baseball fan first. I really am,” Roberts said. “And the anticipation for the game—it’s going to be bananas when it happens. There’s been a lot that’s taken place to get us here, and I think we’ve done it the right way.”
The Dodgers have managed Ohtani’s recovery carefully, balancing long-term health with the desire to maximize his rare skillset. Ohtani has already made his presence felt in the lineup this year as a designated hitter, but stepping back onto the mound marks a key milestone for both player and team.
“It’s great for the game. It’s good for our team. And most importantly, I’m excited for Sho,” Roberts said.
The excitement is shared throughout the Dodgers’ clubhouse. Clayton Kershaw, himself in the midst of a comeback season, underscored the difference between preparation and real competition.
“You can do as many rehab starts or live BPs as you want,” Kershaw said, “but there’s nothing like pitching in a Major League game.”
That’s exactly what Ohtani will do on Monday.
Roberts expects a locked-in performance. “He’ll use all of his pitches,” he said. “I think you’ll see a focused pitcher. There’s going to be a lot of energy and excitement. It’s just amazing.”
The return of Ohtani to the mound is more than just a rotation decision—it’s a moment that baseball fans have been anticipating for over a year. And for Roberts and the Dodgers, Monday marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Ohtani era—one where his full brilliance as a two-way phenomenon may once again be on full display.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors
