The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the midst of playing 10 consecutive games within the National League West, and amid some pitching uncertainty are poised to welcome back Emmet Sheehan and Shohei Ohtani this week.
Both right-handers are expected to make starts during the four-game series against the San Diego Padres that begins Monday. It’s not yet clear if Sheehan will make his 2025 debut on Tuesday or Wednesday, but the Dodgers announced Ohtani is starting Monday night.
Ohtani’s first time pitching for the Dodgers is going to come as an opener. Manager Dave Roberts said it also will likely be just one inning.
Prior to revealing Ohtani would take the mound this week, Roberts indicated the Dodgers were considering using an opener in front of Ben Casparius for the first game of their series against the Padres.
Ohtani threw 44 pitches and stretched out to three innings in live batting practice last Tuesday. It was the most innings and highest number of pitches he’s thrown since beginning to face hitters last month.
“He’s ready to pitch in a big-league game,” Roberts said. “He let us know.”
After Ohtani pitched in the simulated game at Petco Park, Roberts suggested his timeline was moved up to before the All-Star break. Ohtani offered a coy response when asked about that possibility following the Dodgers’ win on Saturday.
“What do you think?” Ohtani answered through interpreter Will Ireton. He had a wry smile when answering in Japanese.
“Something like that,” Ohtani added.
Shohei Ohtani confident in pitching
The 30-year-old stressed the importance of continuing to build up his endurance before he would feel comfortable pitching in a real game, but otherwise expressed confidence in his current state.
“I think it all has to do with pitch counts. With the last live BP, I felt like the intensity was there and I felt like my stuff was game-ready,” Ohtani said.
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