The day that the Dodgers have been waiting for since they signed Shohei Ohtani to a then-record contract is nearly here: Ohtani's first start as a pitcher in a Dodgers uniform is set for Monday night against the Padres.

Shohei Ohtani is returning to the mound on Monday against the Padres. After months of speculation, subtle updates, and cautious optimism, the Japanese ace is set to unleash his firepower on the mound once again,

Shohei Ohtani is making his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut, 21 months after the two-way superstar had elbow surgery