• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 24, 2025

Ohtani’s Return to Pitching Brightens Spotlight on MLB’s Biggest Star

Amid a spate of injuries elsewhere on the pitching staff, the Dodgers get a major boost as two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound after 21 months.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Major League Baseball’s biggest talent is back on the mound, significantly ahead of schedule, and again is poised to showcase the unique two-way skill set that first drove him to international stardom. 

Shohei Ohtani will start for the Dodgers on Monday night as they begin a home series against the archrival Padres, marking his first such pitching appearance since undergoing major ligament surgery in September 2023, while still with the Angels. 

The Dodgers originally were targeting Ohtani to return to pitching sometime after the mid-July All-Star break, and as recently as three weeks ago, said there was “still a long way to go” in his recovery to be able to face major-league hitters in a game. Since then, though, Ohtani has progressed well through a series of practice pitching sessions, while showing his customary velocity and command. 

Patchwork Pitching

Los Angeles, meanwhile, continues to face a rash of injuries elsewhere in its pitching staff, with top hurlers Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Blake Treinen forming key parts of a total of 14 pitchers on the team’s injured list. 

Ohtani will appear initially as a multi-inning opener and is not yet entirely built up to make full starts as a pitcher. The Dodgers, however, remain highly eager for anything he can contribute, as the expected dominance in their title defense that started in historic fashion this season has become much more difficult, in part because of the spate of player injuries. The team is just 14–14 in the last 28 games, and it holds a fragile, two-game lead over the Giants in the National League West division, with the Padres just three games back.

Huge Impact

The defending NL Most Valuable Player and MLB’s first player with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Ohtani is already one of the league’s foremost stars, but a return to pitching will only expand his notoriety more, and provide the league another sizable boost as it continues efforts to make its standout talents into major national and international figures. 

To that end, MLB featured Ohtani today in the final installment of its anime-themed “Heroes of the Game” marketing campaign that has featured other stars such as the Yankees’ Aaron Judge and Pirates’ Paul Skenes.

“It’s going to be bananas when it happens. There’s been a lot of anticipation,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Ohtani’s return to pitching. “I think we’ve done it the right way as far as our [rehabilitation] process. … I think that it’s just great for the game. It’s good for our team. Our guys are excited about this potential. Most importantly, I’m excited for Shohei.”

In the meantime, Ohtani will also continue as a designated hitter, where he is again leading MLB in runs scored, and is trailing only Judge in several other measures. 

MLB Network will show Monday’s game nationally outside of the Los Angeles and San Diego markets, where team-based coverage will continue. Already on the schedule for the league-owned outlet, the game has now become the subject of additional promotion and will be discussed during each of MLB Network’s studio shows during the day leading up to the 10:10 p.m. ET start.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Underdog Blue Jays vs. Dodgers’ Mega-Payroll on MLB’s Global Stage

The high-profile matchup caps what has been a breakthrough season for the league.
Jun 18, 2022; Washington, DC, USA; Grammy award-winning artist Pharrell Williams performs at the Sun Stage during the Something in the Water festival on Saturday, June 18, 2022 in Washington, DC.

MLB Will Try to Turn the World Series Into More Than Just..

The league has planned a series of showcase music performances in Toronto.
May 17, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) shakes hands with New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) after the top of the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium.

Mets, Yankees, and the Nielsen Debate That Won’t Go Away

Weeks after the end of the MLB regular season, viewership issues remain.
Chicago Bulls

NBA Betting Scandal Goes Far Beyond Terry Rozier and Damon Jones

A federal indictment suggests information about several teams was being sold.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Tom Dundon
exclusive

Sale of Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon Will Take Multiple Years to..

Dundon is buying the team at a $4.25 billion valuation.
October 16, 2025

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
October 18, 2025

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws as quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during rookie minicamp May 9, 2025, in Berea.
October 9, 2025

Browns Paying $41.6M to 8 QBs, but Only 2 Are on Their..

Cleveland traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals this week.