Shohei Ohtani Starting Pitcher Night Against The San Diego Padres MLB 2025

Shohei Ohtani Set for Dodgers Pitching Debut as Opener

Shohei Ohtani will finally pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s scheduled to start Monday’s game against the San Diego Padres as an opener, according to manager Dave Roberts.

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First Time Pitching Since August 2023

This outing will be Ohtani’s first time pitching in an MLB game since August 23, 2023, when he played for the Los Angeles Angels. Although he already helped the Dodgers win a World Series and earned an MVP award, he hasn’t thrown a pitch for the team—until now.

Ohtani to Pitch Briefly, Then Stay as DH

Roberts expects Ohtani to pitch only one inning, possibly two. After that, he will stay in the game as a designated hitter, thanks to MLB’s rule for two-way players.

“Shohei’s getting antsy, which is a good thing,” said Roberts. “Simulated games have run their course. He’s ready to pitch in a real game.”

Delayed Return Due to Shoulder Injury

Ohtani missed the start of the 2025 season on the mound due to a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, which he suffered during the 2024 World Series. While his recovery kept him from pitching, his bat remained too valuable to take out of the lineup. That’s why the Dodgers skipped a rehab assignment and kept him in the big leagues.

Dodgers’ Pitching Staff Facing Injuries

The Dodgers desperately need Ohtani’s help. Their rotation is struggling, with Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki all sidelined. Glasnow and Snell may return in a month. However, Roberts confirmed that Sasaki, currently dealing with a shoulder impingement, has no return date and is no longer in the team’s 2025 plans.

Reinforcements on the Way

There is hope on the horizon. Emmet Sheehan, who had Tommy John surgery in spring training, is finishing his rehab. Roberts said there’s a “very high likelihood” Sheehan will rejoin the rotation by Tuesday or Wednesday.