The LA Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (31) is making a dramatic return as a pitcher. His return to pitching has been confirmed after 663 days. Skipping minor league rehabilitation appearances, he is making a surprise return to the Major League mound.

After winning against the San Francisco Giants 5-4 on the 16th (Korea time), the Dodgers officially announced on their social media that Ohtani will be the starting pitcher for the home game against the San Diego Padres on the 17th at 11:10 a.m. at Dodger Stadium.

After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted, "It seems Ohtani will return during the San Diego series. He is ready, and it's a good thing for us. He is likely to pitch as an opener, but I think it will be around 1 inning at first," which was followed by an official announcement from the Dodgers.

Ohtani's last pitching appearance was on August 23, 2023, as a member of the LA Angels in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds. He is returning to the mound in a real game after 663 days.

Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September 2023 and was expected to return to pitching after the All-Star break in July, having not pitched last year while rehabilitating. While playing as a batter this season, he conducted a pitching rehabilitation program, resulting in an earlier-than-expected return.

Starting live batting practice in a game format on the 25th of last month, Ohtani completed a total of three sessions by the 10th. On the 10th, he faced 11 batters, throwing a post-surgery high of 44 pitches and recording 6 Samjin.

Manager Roberts expressed, "I am also excited about Ohtani's return to pitching. The fact that I am still a baseball fan has not changed. We have been communicating carefully with Ohtani throughout this process, and that day is getting closer. His presence on the mound is a very good thing for the team and for baseball overall."

Typically, a pitcher who has undergone major surgery would play sufficient rehabilitation games in the minor leagues before returning. Such a process is standard in the robust rehabilitation system of Major League Baseball. However, it was impossible for Ohtani, who is playing the season as a designated hitter, to give up hitting and go down to the minor leagues. Ultimately, Ohtani will have his pitching return game as a player essentially conducting rehabilitation games on the Major League mound.

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