The Los Angeles Dodgers have a massive announcement to make regarding Shohei Ohtani. And it couldn’t get any better for the fans of the Japanese superstar.
Ohtani is set to make his highly anticipated return to the mound for the Dodgers on June 16, 2025, as the starting pitcher against the San Diego Padres.
This marks his first MLB appearance on the mound since August 23, 2023, when he last pitched for the Los Angeles Angels.
This news comes after his recovery from a second major elbow ligament reconstruction. The Dodgers are allowing him to continue participating as a designated hitter after his one inning on the mound.
🚨 Shohei Ohtani makes his return to the mound MONDAY NIGHT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/c2UteFgsZd
— MLB (@MLB) June 16, 2025
Manager Dave Roberts recently expressed optimism about Ohtani’s eagerness to return.
“Shohei’s getting antsy, which is a good thing for us … I don’t know if it’s going to be one or two innings, but my guess is probably an inning to start. The live simulated whatever has sort of run its course, so he’s ready to make his debut on the mound,” Roberts said.
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After a breakdown in communication about whether he would throw live to hitters or simulate pitching yet again, Ohtani officially has the green light.
What Does Shohei Ohtani’s Return Mean For The Dodgers
The moment Los Angeles Dodgers fans have been eagerly waiting for is finally here as Shohei Ohtani is set to make his long-awaited return. After nearly two years sidelined from pitching, the Dodgers fans have great expectations for him.
Ohtani may have missed the entire last season, but he didn’t let that dim his shine. In 2023, he won the American League MVP unanimously. He finished with an impressive 10-5 record as a pitcher, a 3.14 ERA, and racking up 167 strikeouts.
At the plate, he was just as phenomenal with a .304 batting average, 95 RBIs, and 44 home runs.
His journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Early in his career, UCL injuries made it tough for him to show off both his pitching and hitting talents. Some people even doubted him, but he bounced back in stunning fashion, especially in 2021 when he secured his first AL MVP award.
Now, with the Dodgers facing a rough patch and 14 pitchers on the injured list, Ohtani’s timing couldn’t be better. As a designated hitter, he’s been hitting .297 with 41 RBIs and 25 home runs. The Dodgers need every bit of that talent.
Also Read: VIDEO: Shohei Ohtani Caught Sleeping In The Dugout During Dodgers Blowout Win Against Yankees
