Shohei Ohtani is set to make his debut as a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night against the San Diego Padres, following a lengthy recovery from elbow surgery. This announcement came after the Dodgers’ victory over San Francisco. Ohtani, who has not pitched since August 23, 2023, when he sustained an injury while playing for the Angels, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 and is now recovering from a right elbow operation performed on September 19, 2023. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed excitement about Ohtani’s return to the mound, indicating he might pitch for one or two innings as an opener in this game.
Roberts noted that Ohtani is eager to return, which bodes well for the team. This season, Ohtani is performing well as a hitter, boasting a .297 batting average, a league-leading 1.035 OPS, 25 home runs, and 41 RBIs. In his first season with the Dodgers last year, he excelled as a hitter, registering a .290 average with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are facing challenges with their pitching staff. Rookie Roki Sasaki is likely sidelined for an extended period due to shoulder issues, joining other injured pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Sasaki, who has struggled since transitioning from Japan, has had discomfort after a recent cortisone injection. Roberts has emphasized a cautious approach for Sasaki’s recovery, ensuring that he does not rush back prematurely. The Dodgers will rely on bullpen games as they navigate these injuries while maintaining their position atop the NL West.
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