BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani Set to Make Highly Anticipated Second Pitching Start for Dodgers Sunday Against Washington Nationals

The baseball world is once again buzzing with anticipation, as two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is set to make his second pitching start for the Los Angeles Dodgers this Sunday against the Washington Nationals. It’s a moment that fans, teammates, and the entire MLB community have eagerly awaited — the return of Ohtani to the mound in Dodger blue.

After joining the Dodgers in the most talked-about free agency decision of the past decade, Ohtani has already made waves at the plate. His consistent production, leadership, and unmistakable charisma have injected new energy into a Dodgers franchise that was already among baseball’s most powerful. But it’s his two-way potential that makes him a truly generational talent — and now, Los Angeles gets to witness the full spectrum of the Ohtani experience again.

This will mark just his second pitching appearance for the Dodgers. The first came with immense fanfare, and though his outing was brief, it offered a tantalizing glimpse into what could be a new era for Ohtani as a pitcher in the National League. The fact that he’s stepping back onto the mound Sunday signals more than just a temporary return — it hints at a possible revival of the full-fledged Ohtani phenomenon that captivated fans worldwide during his years with the Angels.

The timing is important. The Dodgers are in the middle of a crucial summer stretch, and their rotation has been riddled with inconsistency and injuries. While Ohtani’s exact pitch count and role remain closely guarded by the team’s coaching staff, insiders suggest he could throw between 40–60 pitches, possibly working in a hybrid opener or tandem role. Regardless of pitch count, his presence alone changes the dynamic of a game — both for the Dodgers and for their opponents.

“He’s not just another arm,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Thursday. “Shohei on the mound is electric. There’s a different energy in the building when he’s pitching. We’re excited to see what he brings Sunday.”

Indeed, the Nationals will have a challenge on their hands. Ohtani’s arsenal — featuring a blazing fastball, devastating splitter, and sweeping slider — is enough to keep any batting order off balance. Though the Nationals are hovering around .500, they’ve shown signs of life in recent weeks. But facing Ohtani? That’s a different test altogether.

“It’s going to be a national moment,” said one Dodgers insider. “We’re talking about a global superstar, back doing what only he can do — dominating from the mound while also threatening to go deep every time he steps to the plate.”

During his tenure with the Angels, Ohtani made headlines across the globe for his two-way feats — from homering and striking out 10 batters in the same game, to putting up MVP numbers both at the plate and on the mound. His ability to impact a game from both angles made him the face of modern baseball. That legacy followed him to L.A., where a massive contract and massive expectations awaited.

The decision to limit his pitching workload early this season was strategic, especially after elbow issues raised concerns late in his Angels tenure. The Dodgers’ staff, medical team, and Ohtani’s camp have worked closely to craft a carefully paced ramp-up schedule. Sunday’s start is the culmination of that effort — a milestone months in the making.

Fans at Dodger Stadium are expected to pack the stands well before first pitch, with pregame ticket prices spiking across major secondary markets as soon as the announcement was made. There’s even talk that Japanese media outlets are dispatching extra crews to L.A. to cover the occasion, underscoring Ohtani’s global reach and unmatched star power.

Ohtani’s return to the mound is about more than stats or storylines — it’s about hope. Hope for fans who believe they are witnessing the most unique player in baseball history. Hope for the Dodgers, who see in Ohtani a once-in-a-century talent who could power them to another World Series title. Hope for the sport itself, which continues to benefit from Ohtani’s rare brand of excellence, humility, and showmanship.

The Nationals, to their credit, are approaching the start with a healthy respect and competitive focus. “You’ve got to bring your best when you face a guy like that,” said Washington outfielder Lane Thomas. “He can hurt you in so many ways. We’ll be ready.”

The anticipation is amplified by the fact that Ohtani is still crushing the ball offensively. He’s among the league leaders in home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS, and his ability to balance both roles has long been the subject of awe. Few athletes in any sport are asked to contribute at a high level in multiple skill sets — and none have succeeded at the level Ohtani has.

Still, questions remain: How often will he pitch going forward? Will Sunday be the start of a regular rotation cycle or just a spot start? What is the long-term vision for his dual role as the postseason looms?

Roberts, ever cautious but optimistic, kept things close to the vest. “We’re taking it one start at a time,” he said. “It’s about Shohei’s health, comfort, and rhythm. But I can tell you this — he’s ready.”

Ready, indeed. Shohei Ohtani doesn’t just play baseball — he redefines it. When he steps onto the mound this Sunday, it won’t just be another game. It’ll be an event. A spectacle. A reminder that we’re living through something historic. Something rare.

Shohei Ohtani is about to pitch again, and for baseball fans everywhere, that means everything.