Shohei Ohtani will pitch for the Dodgers after a nearly two-year absence from the mound
Share this @internewscast.com

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani will take the mound as a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday evening against San Diego, marking 21 months since his elbow surgery.

The announcement came from the Dodgers following their 5-4 victory over San Francisco on Sunday night. Ohtani is expected to serve as an opener as the NL West leaders begin a four-game series against the Padres at home.

“Shohei is eager to get back, which is a positive development for us,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented before the team confirmed that Ohtani would start on Monday night.

“I don’t know if it’s going to be one or two innings, but my guess is probably an inning to start. But it’s a good thing. The live, simulated, or whatever, sort of ran its course. He’s ready to make his debut on the mound.”

Ohtani has not pitched in a game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he got hurt during a start for the Los Angeles Angels against Cincinnati. He had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 1, 2018, and is recovering from right elbow surgery on Sept. 19, 2023.

In the second season of a $700 million, 10-year contract, he paused his pitching work after a mound session on Feb. 25 to prepare for opening day as a hitter, then started bullpen sessions on March 29 and batting practice on May 25.

Roberts said he is excited to see Ohtani pitch in a big league game again.

“There’s been a lot of anticipation,” he said. “I think we’ve done it the right way as far as our process, communicating with Shohei and feeling good. … It’s good for our team. Our guys are excited about this potential. And obviously, most important, I’m excited for Shohei.”

A three-time MVP, Ohtani is hitting .297 with an NL-leading 1.035 OPS, 25 homers and 41 RBIs. A batter only last year in his first season with the Dodgers, Ohtani hit .290 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs and 59 stolen bases.

On Sunday, Roberts said rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki appears likely to be sidelined for a lengthy stretch. With Sasaki (right shoulder impingement), Blake Snell (left shoulder inflammation) and Tyler Glasnow (right shoulder inflammation) on the injured list, the Dodgers have resorted to bullpen games.

Sasaki has not pitched in a game since May 9 and is not part of the team’s long-term pitching plans this season.

“I think that’s what the mindset should be,” Roberts said before the game. “Being thrust into this environment certainly was a big undertaking for him, and now you layer in the health part and the fact he’s a starting pitcher, knowing what the build-up (required to return) entails … I think that’s the prudent way to go about it.”

Sasaki, 23, went 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA in eight starts after joining the Dodgers from the Pacific League’s Chiba Lotte Marines, averaging less than 4 1/3 innings per start. His walked 22 and struck out 24 in 34 1/3 innings and his fastball averaged 95.7 mph, down 3-4 mph from his average in Japan.

Roberts said Sasaki was pain-free when he resumed throwing in early June, but the pitcher was shut down after feeling discomfort this past week. Sasaki recently received a cortisone injection in the shoulder; Roberts said no further scans are planned.

“I don’t think it’s pain,” Roberts said. “I don’t know if it’s discomfort, if it’s tightness, if he’s just not feeling strong, whatever the adjective you want to use. That’s more of a question for Roki, as far as the sensation he’s feeling.

“He’s just not feeling like he can ramp it up, and we’re not going to push him to do something he doesn’t feel good about right now.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Savannah Police Officer Collides with Driver, Destroying Car During Suspected Pursuit

SAVANNAH, Ga. – A Savannah Police officer allegedly backed into a citizen’s…

Champaign Co. Crime Stoppers Seeks Information on Car Burglary Suspect

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking for help…

Reports Suggest ‘Ghost Guns’ May Resurface Despite Recent Ruling

() “Ghost guns” could potentially become a thorn in the side of…

Texas Officials Suggest Modernizing Flood Warning Systems

() A former Kerry County sheriff pushed for more updated warning systems prior…

Tesla Shares Plunge 8% Amid Resurgence of Trump-Musk Rivalry

Shares of Tesla tumbled 8% at the opening bell Monday as the…

Map: Locations of Flash Flooding Deaths Confirmed in Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) At least 82 people have been killed in catastrophic flash…

Israel and Hamas Nearing Potential Ceasefire Agreement for Gaza: A Preview

JERUSALEM – On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Washington…

Trump Plans to Implement 25% Tariffs on Imports from Japan and South Korea

President Trump announced Monday his administration would impose a 25 percent tariff…

Iowa Mother Commemorates Late Daughter by Establishing Non-Profit to Empower Teen Girls

DES MOINES, Iowa — Ema Cardenas was walking home from school when…

Costco Recalls Multiple Products, Urges Shoppers to Cease Use Immediately

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — If you are a Costco shopper, you may…

Tesla Investors Unfazed by Elon Musk’s New Political Party Announcement

() Elon Musk says he’s starting a new political party, but Tesla…

Trump’s Directive Proposes Increased Fees for Certain National Parks: Key Details Explained

(NEXSTAR) Just weeks after the Department of the Interior’s budget proposal for…