Breaking News: Shohei Ohtani Will Start on the Mound for Dodgers Tomorrow Night Against Padres in Long-Awaited Return

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is back—and this time, he’s returning to the mound. In a bombshell announcement that electrified baseball fans on both coasts, the Dodgers confirmed that Ohtani will start as pitcher tomorrow night against the San Diego Padres. The game, already shaping up as a marquee National League West clash, now carries added drama as one of baseball’s most transcendent talents returns to pitching duties after months of anticipation.

For Dodgers fans, this marks a long-awaited moment. Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason, had been sidelined from pitching due to a torn UCL that ended his 2023 season on the mound with the Angels. While he has been active as a designated hitter for the Dodgers throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, many wondered if and when he would return to the mound—and how effective he could be after such a lengthy layoff.

Now, the wait is over.

Ohtani’s return isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a moment of seismic impact for the sport. Widely regarded as one of the most gifted athletes baseball has ever seen, Ohtani’s dual-role excellence continues to redefine what is possible in Major League Baseball. His return to pitching duties elevates the Dodgers’ already formidable rotation and sends a message to the rest of the league: Los Angeles is all-in on chasing another World Series title, and they now have their unicorn back in full form.

The announcement came after Ohtani completed a series of bullpen sessions over the past few weeks. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani’s stuff “looked electric” and confirmed that his velocity, command, and secondary pitches all passed the eye test. The medical team cleared him for game action after his last simulated start, and with the Dodgers set to open a critical series against the rival Padres, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

“It’s time,” Ohtani said in a brief but powerful statement following the news. “I’ve worked for this moment, and I’m ready.”

Ohtani has dazzled as a hitter this season, continuing to put up MVP-caliber numbers despite his limited role. Entering the Padres series, he boasts a .318 batting average, 21 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a .985 OPS. But the return to the mound has always been the missing piece to his complete comeback narrative.

In 2021 and 2022, Ohtani captured back-to-back All-Star selections as both a pitcher and hitter, earning the AL MVP in 2021 and finishing runner-up in 2022. He showcased triple-digit fastballs, a devastating splitter, and pinpoint control on the mound—tools that, when healthy, make him one of the most dominant pitchers in the game.

Now, wearing Dodger blue, he’ll look to remind everyone exactly who he is.

The Padres, meanwhile, will have their hands full. San Diego, fighting to stay within striking distance in the NL West, knows firsthand how potent Ohtani can be. Many of their hitters have faced him during his time in the AL, and tomorrow night they’ll be the first to face him in his return to the mound.

Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged the challenge. “Shohei is a rare talent,” Shildt said. “You don’t really prepare for someone like him—you just hope to limit the damage.”

For the Dodgers, the stakes are monumental. While the team has already been dominant for most of the 2025 season—leading the division with a commanding record—the addition of Ohtani back to the rotation gives them a potential Game 1 starter in a playoff series. With Walker Buehler, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow also on the staff, the Dodgers could field the most intimidating playoff rotation in baseball.

Roberts knows the impact this could have. “We’ve been cautious for good reason,” Roberts said. “You don’t rush a player like Shohei. He’s been unbelievable for us as a hitter. But now we get to see him do both. It’s a special day for baseball.”

Ohtani’s return also holds cultural and international significance. He remains a national icon in Japan and a global ambassador for the game. His appearances, particularly on the mound, draw millions of viewers worldwide. Friday’s game against the Padres is expected to be among the most-watched MLB broadcasts of the year, with Japanese networks planning extensive coverage and live analysis.

Social media erupted after the announcement, with fans, players, and analysts expressing excitement. Fellow Dodgers star Mookie Betts tweeted, “Let’s goooo. Sho is back on the bump.” Even rivals chimed in with admiration. Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. said during media availability, “That guy is a monster. But we’re gonna try to get him early.”

Ohtani’s last outing on the mound came in August 2023, before he was shut down with his second UCL tear in five years. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, and the recurrence of injury had some questioning whether he would ever pitch again at a high level. But Ohtani has defied doubters at every turn.

His return also comes amid MVP buzz. If he continues producing at the plate and reestablishes himself on the mound—even in limited innings—it will be nearly impossible for voters to look past his unparalleled value. No other player impacts the game in as many ways as Ohtani does.

One major question will be his usage. The Dodgers are expected to limit his pitch count in his first few outings, likely keeping him in the 60-70 pitch range as he builds arm strength and game rhythm. Roberts hinted that he may initially pitch every six or seven days rather than on a traditional five-day schedule. But if his return is smooth, there’s little doubt the Dodgers will let him gradually increase his load as the postseason approaches.

As for Ohtani himself, his demeanor hasn’t changed. Calm, focused, and resolute, he understands the gravity of this moment but isn’t overwhelmed by it. “I love the game,” he said. “I want to help this team win. Whatever it takes.”

For baseball fans, tomorrow is a celebration. It’s a reminder of what makes this game magical—when talent, hard work, and history intersect in real time.

Shohei Ohtani’s story is still being written, but the next chapter starts tomorrow night at Dodger Stadium.

And it’s going to be must-watch baseball.