Shohei Ohtani Declares ‘It’s Time to Go’ as Two-Way Star Returns to Mound in Series Opener Versus Padres

After months of waiting, speculation, and cautious optimism, the baseball world is finally about to witness the return of one of its most transcendent talents on the mound. Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom and current Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, will make his much-anticipated return as a pitcher in the series opener against the San Diego Padres. With a determined message—“It’s time to go”—Ohtani isn’t just hinting at a comeback; he’s signaling a reawakening of baseball’s most electrifying storyline.

The last time Ohtani took the mound in a Major League game, the sports world held its breath with every pitch. But a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) last season cut short another stellar campaign, one that seemed destined for historic greatness. While he continued to dominate at the plate, questions swirled about his long-term future as a two-way player. After undergoing his second major elbow procedure in five years, some doubted whether the Japanese superstar would pitch again—at least at the elite level fans had grown accustomed to.

Those doubts were put to rest this past week when the Dodgers officially announced that Ohtani would be activated as a starting pitcher for the opening game against their divisional rivals. It’s a move that sends a clear message to the rest of the league: Ohtani’s reign as MLB’s unicorn is far from over.

Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking $700 million deal with the Dodgers this offseason, has been methodically progressing through his rehab. By all accounts, he has checked every box. From bullpen sessions to simulated games, to throwing live batting practice, each step in his recovery was met with both scrutiny and celebration. And through it all, Ohtani has remained his usual stoic, focused self—until now.

“This is why I’m here,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “I’ve done everything the doctors, trainers, and coaches asked of me. I’ve waited. Now it’s time to go.”

Those simple but powerful words reveal the competitor within. Ohtani has never been content being just one thing. While his bat has continued to terrorize pitchers this season—he leads the Dodgers in home runs, RBIs, and OPS—his identity is inseparable from his dual-threat capability. He is at his best when he can contribute in every facet of the game. And on the mound, there is a flair and ferocity that complements his graceful power at the plate.

Teammates have echoed that sentiment. Dodgers catcher Will Smith said, “He’s been itching to get back. Watching him pitch live the other day, it’s clear he hasn’t lost anything. The stuff is still elite. I think people are going to be surprised by how ready he looks.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has carefully managed Ohtani’s workload, offered similar optimism but remained pragmatic. “Shohei is a competitor, but we’ve had to be smart with his recovery. Now that he’s cleared, there’s no reason to hold back. He feels good, the medical staff feels good, and now we’re excited to see him compete.”

Ohtani’s return comes at a pivotal moment in the Dodgers’ season. After a strong start, Los Angeles has hit a slight rough patch in June, particularly in the pitching department. Injuries to Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler have thinned the rotation, forcing younger arms into high-leverage situations. Ohtani’s return not only bolsters the rotation but also provides a massive psychological boost. His presence alone changes scouting reports, pitch counts, and game plans.

And what better stage to return on than a marquee matchup against the Padres? San Diego, while inconsistent this season, still boasts one of the most potent lineups in the National League. Facing the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts will be no small task for a pitcher coming off surgery. But if anyone is up for that challenge, it’s Ohtani.

Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged the buzz, saying, “You respect what Shohei does because no one else in baseball is doing it. We’ll prepare like we’re facing an ace—because we are.”

What fans can expect to see on the mound is still something of a mystery. Will Ohtani lean more on finesse to protect his elbow? Will his fastball still flirt with triple digits? Will the signature splitter be as devastating as before? These are questions that only game action can answer. However, early reports from his throwing sessions suggest that Ohtani’s velocity and movement are both intact.

In terms of pitch count, Roberts indicated the Dodgers will likely be cautious, limiting Ohtani to around 75 pitches in his first start. That could mean a five-inning outing if efficiency is on his side. But even in a limited role, Ohtani’s presence could be transformative.

What’s more remarkable is the sheer uniqueness of the situation. Never in modern baseball history has a player returned from a major pitching injury while continuing to play every day as a hitter. Ohtani has redefined what’s possible in the sport. He’s not chasing records for the sake of vanity—he’s breaking new ground in what the human body and spirit can accomplish when properly nurtured and unleashed.

While some fans may worry about reinjury or overexertion, Ohtani has made it clear that he trusts the process—and himself. “This is what I trained for,” he said. “I wouldn’t step on the mound if I didn’t believe I was ready to compete at the highest level.”

Baseball’s greatest showman is about to step back into the spotlight, not just as a hitter, but as a full-force, two-way marvel once more. The timing couldn’t be better, with the All-Star break approaching and postseason implications starting to take shape. A dominant Ohtani on the mound could once again tilt the balance of power in the National League.

And while Ohtani may not be one for dramatic words, the tone of his statement—“It’s time to go”—resonates with the weight of a player who knows the clock is ticking, not just on the season, but on a career unlike any other. He’s here to maximize every moment.

For fans, the return of Ohtani to the mound isn’t just about one game. It’s about witnessing greatness reassert itself. It’s about a generational player refusing to be defined by setbacks. And above all, it’s about the joy of watching something we may never see again—a true two-way superstar thriving in today’s game.

When he takes the mound at Dodger Stadium against the Padres, all eyes will be on him. The baseball world will pause, cameras will flash, and history will once again write a new chapter. Shohei Ohtani is back where he belongs—not just in the lineup, but in full command of his destiny. And this time, he’s ready to let it fly.