Shohei Ohtani is set to make his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut on Monday when the team begins a four-game series against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
Ohtani will serve as the Dodgers’ opener and is expected to be on the mound for only one inning. The two-way star will then remain in the game as the designated hitter, much like what was seen when he played for the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani last pitched in a Major League game on Aug. 23, 2023, and has spent most of the last two years working his way back from a second career Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old began to make substantial progress in late May when he advanced to facing hitters for the first time since his operation.
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.
“He’s ready to pitch in a big-league game,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He let us know.”
After his latest live batting practice session, Ohtani said he doesn’t have any concerns about becoming a two-way player again.
“I do feel like being the two-way player that I used to be, was the norm. So last year really was the abnormal year. For me, it’s about getting back to what I used to do,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton.
Shohei Ohtani rule
MLB implemented the “Shohei Ohtani rule” beginning with the 2022 season, which allows teams to list a player as the pitcher and designated hitter on the day he starts, then remove him in one role but not the other.
Whenever the Dodgers go to the bullpen in games Ohtani starts as a pitcher, he will be permitted to remain in the game as their designated hitter. The rule theoretically applies to all players, but Ohtani is the main beneficiary.
Before this rule went into effect, there were several instances when the Angels had to move Ohtani to right field in order to keep his bat in the lineup.
The Dodgers plan to have Ohtani in the lineup as their DH each game he also starts as a pitcher.
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