Shohei Ohtani will make his long-awaited return to pitching on Monday night, taking the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their series opener against the San Diego Padres. This marks Ohtani’s first pitching appearance in nearly two years following elbow surgery.

The announcement came shortly after the Dodgers secured a 5–4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. Ohtani, who has been recovering from right elbow surgery performed in September 2023, is expected to serve as an opener, likely pitching just one or two innings to ease back into game action.

“Shohei’s getting antsy—that’s a great sign for us,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts before confirming Ohtani’s start. “It’s probably going to be an inning to begin with, but he’s ready. The simulated games have done their job. Now it’s time.”

Ohtani hasn’t pitched in a live MLB game since August 23, 2023, during his time with the Los Angeles Angels, when he suffered his injury in a start against the Cincinnati Reds. This return comes 21 months after undergoing his second major elbow procedure—his first being Tommy John surgery in 2018.

Now in the second year of a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, Ohtani delayed his pitching to focus on hitting for the start of the 2025 season. He resumed throwing bullpen sessions in late March and began facing live batters in May.

As the Dodgers, currently leading the NL West, kick off a four-game home series against the Padres, all eyes will be on Ohtani as he reclaims his two-way player status—something only he continues to redefine in the modern game.