Shohei Ohtani to Make Dodgers Pitching Debut June 16

The moment Los Angeles Dodgers fans have eagerly anticipated is finally here. Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for his first pitching appearance in Dodger Blue this Monday, June 16th, facing the division rival San Diego Padres.

Manager Dave Roberts recently hinted at Ohtani's imminent return during the upcoming four-game series, confirming the pitcher will initially serve as an opener in a bullpen game strategy. This marks a significant milestone in Ohtani's recovery journey.

Ohtani hasn't pitched in a Major League game since August 2023, when he was with the Los Angeles Angels. A diagnosis of a torn ulnar collateral ligament led to surgery, prematurely ending his season as he entered free agency. After signing his landmark deal with the Dodgers in December 2023, Ohtani focused solely on hitting throughout the 2024 season while rehabilitating his arm.

His return to pitching duties arrives sooner than many projected. Despite recently resuming throwing to live hitters and an original target around the All-Star break, the Dodgers accelerated his timeline. Roberts had indicated another simulated game was likely, but the team opted for the real thing against the Padres.

The Dodgers' pitching rotation desperately needs reinforcements. Injuries have sidelined key starters Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell since April, promising rookie Roki Sasaki since May, and Tony Gonsolin more recently. Ohtani's arm provides a crucial boost as Los Angeles navigates a competitive NL West race.

Currently holding a 43-29 record, the Dodgers sit just two games ahead of the San Francisco Giants and three games up on the Padres following recent series wins against both rivals. Ohtani's pitching prowess adds another weapon for the stretch run.

Boasting a formidable career pitching resume, the three-time MVP owns a 3.01 ERA across 86 starts with a 38-19 win-loss record. His standout season came in 2022, finishing fourth in Cy Young voting after posting a 15-9 record, a stellar 2.33 ERA, and a career-best 219 strikeouts over 166 innings. This follows his historic 2023 MVP campaign where he became the first player ever to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.

All eyes will be on Dodger Stadium Monday night as Shohei Ohtani, the unparalleled two-way phenomenon, steps back onto the mound for the first time in nearly two years, now wearing Dodger Blue.