Here's How to Watch Shohei Ohtani's Return to the Mound For Los Angeles Dodgers

Ohtani will serve as the Opener on Monday night as the Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres. It will be Ohtani's first-ever game on the mound for the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) scores during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium in 2025. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani will take the mound on Monday night for the first time as a member of the Dodgers. Ohtani signed with LA before the 2024 season, but did not pitch while recovering from elbow surgery that he underwent at the end of 2023.

The Dodgers are taking on the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, with Ohtani expected to serve as the "opener." While it's unclear exactly how many innings or pitches he'll throw, it would stand to reason that he'll throw 1-2 innings. Ohtani is unable to take on a traditional rehab assignment, given his importance to the organization as a hitter.

If you're interested in watching the game, MLB Network will have the live coverage beginning at 10 pm. ET.

Sho-Time on MLB Network 🤩

Shohei Ohtani will make his Dodgers pitching debut tomorrow night against the Padres! pic.twitter.com/XS29l15YBT

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 16, 2025

In five seasons as a pitcher, Ohtani has gone 38-19 even despite being on some mediocre to bad Angels teams before signing with the Dodgers. He has a lifetime ERA of 3.01 and has struck out 608 batters in 481.2 innings.

Ohtani, 30, is the middle of another great season at the plate as well. Entering play on Monday, he's hitting .297 with 25 homers, 41 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. He's got a .393 on-base percentage and a 1.035 OPS. He's putting himself in position to potentially win his fourth MVP Award, and that case will only be strengthened if he's able to contribute on the mound.

The Dodgers are 43-29 and in first place in the National League West, while the Padres are 39-31 and in third.

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