Ohtani was expected to be a hitter only in his first season with the Dodgers, but the team hoped he could resume the two-way responsibilities that made him a superstar by Opening Day of this year. That obviously hasn't happened, as a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder sustained in the 2024 World Series threw off his offseason rehab timetable.

In the last season that he pitched in 2023, Ohtani had a 3.13 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and a 10-5 record, helping him earn a second AL MVP. Unfortunately, his season on the mound was cut short as he underwent surgery for a UCL tear in his right elbow in September. Since then, he's been on the road to recovery.

Shohei Ohtani's much-anticipated return to the mound is happening sooner than expected. Following the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, the Dodgers announced that Ohtani will make his first pitching start for the Dodgers on Monday against the San Diego Padres.