Shohei Ohtani to Make Dodgers Pitching Debut After 14-Month Wait

Los Angeles is buzzing with anticipation. After a lengthy hiatus following Tommy John surgery, Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' prized two-way superstar, is set to make his highly anticipated pitching debut on Monday, June 16th, against the San Diego Padres.

This marks a significant moment for the Dodgers organization, who envisioned Ohtani as a dominant force both at the plate and on the mound when they signed him. His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, as he continued to excel as a hitter, even securing a World Series title and an MVP award in 2024.

The initial plan was for Ohtani to ease back into pitching after the All-Star break, but recent developments accelerated the timeline. Manager Dave Roberts initially hinted at another simulated game, but the decision was swiftly made following the team's victory against the Giants.

General Manager Brandon Gomes revealed that the idea gained momentum in the days leading up to the announcement. Ohtani's impressive progress during simulated games convinced the team that he was ready for this next step. While some players were surprised, the move is seen as a calculated risk to get him some major league reps.

Injuries have undoubtedly played a role in expediting Ohtani's return. Key pitchers like Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tony Gonsolin have all been sidelined, creating a void in the rotation. While veterans like Clayton Kershaw have returned, the need for reliable arms is apparent.

The team emphasizes that Ohtani's long-term health remains the top priority. Roberts acknowledges Ohtani's eagerness to pitch but assures fans that they will proceed with caution. The initial plan is for a one-inning outing, with a focus on command, delivery, and overall comfort.

The coaching staff will monitor Ohtani's progress on a day-to-day basis, aiming to gradually build his stamina and workload. While they aspire to have him stretched out as a starter by October, it is not expected he will pitch every 5 days. Ohtani has expressed confidence in his ability to handle both pitching and hitting responsibilities, even batting leadoff.

The Dodgers' ultimate goal is to unlock Ohtani's full potential as a two-way player, bringing him back to his status as one of the most valuable talents in baseball. His return to the mound signals a thrilling new chapter for the team and its fans.