One of the most anticipated pieces of news for Los Angeles Dodgers fans and MLB in general has arrived: Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani will pitch again after almost 22 months away from the mound. His long-awaited return will take place on Monday, June 16, when he faces the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, as announced by the manager of the current Major League Baseball champions, Dave Roberts, and confirmed by the communications department of the Los Angeles team.
He’s ready to pitch in a Major League game. He let us know.
It should be remembered that Shohei Ohtani had to leave the mound from August 23, 2023, when he was still playing for the Los Angeles Angels, where he could only pitch one inning after suffering a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Time did not stand still, but the great pitcher’s patience did not either. Thanks to his staggered rehabilitation and his pitching designation, he was able to overcome it. Ohtani qualifies as an extra pitcher on the roster, which gives the Dodgers the flexibility to use an additional starter behind him.
Shohei Ohtani’s recovery process for his return as a starting pitcher
After that surgery, Ohtani has been in the process of recovery and the good work of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ medical staff has allowed him to return to the mound, and what better setting than the great Dodger Stadium against one of the most complex rivals of today in a National League West Division series. Since winning the 2024 World Series, Shohei Ohtani has been throwing bullpen sessions and practice pitches, where on Sunday he was given the green light to be a starting pitcher once again.
The 30-year-old Ohtani initially seemed to be progressing toward his return around August. But he took a major step forward during his third simulated game from San Diego’s Petco Park on Tuesday, throwing 44 pitches in three simulated innings and racking up six strikeouts against a pair of low-level minor league players.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it was practically nil that Ohtani could return before the All-Star break. Meeting with the press before Sunday’s game against the San Francisco Giants (which they eventually won 5-4), Roberts said it was “possible” that Ohtani could pitch after just one more simulated game.
Shohei Ohtani’s statistics as a designated hitter in 2025
While Shohei Ohtani was recovering from his injury, there was no impediment to staying active with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so since last season the Los Angeles Dodgers have accommodated him as a designated hitter. This season he has managed to hit 25 home runs, being the third player with the highest number in this category. His batting average is .297 and he has driven in 40 runs.
The time has come, Dave Roberts has given him the confidence and on Monday Dodger Stadium will be packed to see Shohei Ohtani’s return as a starting pitcher after more than 21 months away.
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