Shohei Ohtani is set to make his highly anticipated pitching return for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, facing off against the San Diego Padres. According to ToonieBet Ontario, the Dodgers are favored with odds of -150 to win the game, while the Padres are at +130, reflecting the excitement and expectations surrounding Ohtani’s comeback on the mound. This pitching appearance will mark Ohtani’s first since August 2023, ending a long hiatus caused by significant injuries and rehabilitation.
Ohtani’s road back to the mound has been carefully and closely monitored. His pitching absence began after he suffered a second tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow in 2023, which required surgery. This was Ohtani’s second major elbow surgery, the first being Tommy John surgery in 2018. Following the 2023 injury, Ohtani underwent surgery in September 2023 and spent the entire 2024 season rehabbing, during which he continued to contribute as a hitter but did not pitch. Additionally, in November 2024, Ohtani had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury sustained during the 2024 World Series. Although this affected his non-throwing arm, it added complexity to his recovery timeline.
The Dodgers have been extremely cautious with Ohtani’s rehabilitation, understanding the unprecedented nature of his two-way role and the severity of his injuries. His recovery has been slower than typical timelines for UCL surgery, extending to nearly 22-23 months post-operation, whereas such surgeries usually require 12 to 14 months for a return. The team has prioritized his health over rushing him back, with manager Dave Roberts and players emphasizing patience and the importance of full recovery first. Ohtani has gradually increased his throwing workload, including bullpen sessions and simulated games, showing promising command and strikeout ability in recent outings.
Limited Pitching Role in Return
Ohtani’s return to pitching is expected to be limited initially; he is slated to pitch only one or two innings as an opener against the Padres. This cautious approach is designed to ease him into live game action without overtaxing his arm. Because of his two-way player status, the Dodgers have roster flexibility to use a piggyback starter after Ohtani’s short outing, which helps manage his workload and reduce injury risk. This measured return is a strategic move to build him back up gradually, with the Dodgers still needing him to extend his pitch count toward 70 before considering longer starts.
Impact on Dodgers’ Pitching Staff
The timing of Ohtani’s pitching return could not be more crucial for the Dodgers, whose pitching staff has been struggling with injuries and inconsistencies this season. The team’s rotation and bullpen have faced multiple setbacks, and adding Ohtani’s arm—even in a limited capacity—provides a significant boost. His presence on the mound strengthens the Dodgers’ pitching depth and adds a unique weapon given his elite strikeout ability and pitching acumen. Moreover, Ohtani’s dual-threat capability as a hitter and pitcher offers the Dodgers strategic versatility that few teams can match.
While Ohtani’s bat has been a major asset for the Dodgers throughout his pitching absence—he is hitting .297 with an NL-leading 1.035 OPS, 25 home runs, and 41 RBIs in the 2025 season—the return of his pitching will elevate the team’s overall competitiveness. The Dodgers are hopeful that Ohtani’s gradual reintegration as a pitcher will eventually lead to him resuming a more traditional starter’s role later in the season. However, the focus remains on health and incremental progress.
Looking Ahead
Shohei Ohtani’s pitching return on June 16 against the San Diego Padres represents a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After nearly two years of recovery from multiple surgeries and injuries, Ohtani is poised to retake the mound, albeit in a limited role. This development is vital as the Dodgers seek to stabilize their pitching staff amid ongoing injury challenges. With cautious optimism, the baseball world will watch closely as Ohtani steps back onto the mound, blending his extraordinary talents as a pitcher and hitter to help lead the Dodgers forward this season.
