Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night against the San Diego Padres, 21 months after the two-way star had elbow surgery.

San Diego Padres (39-31, third in the NL West) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (43-29, first in the NL West) Los Angeles; Monday, 10:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Padres: Dylan Cease (2-5, 4.28 ERA, 1.29 WHIP,

Although he won the 2024 National League MVP award and helped the Dodgers win the World Series, Shohei Ohtani had only given the Dodgers half of their expected return on investment — until now.

Shohei Ohtani's much-anticipated return to the mound is happening sooner than expected.

Melvin was already without long reliever Spencer Bivens, who threw a season-high 3 1/3 innings in Saturday’s 11-5 loss. Right-hander Tristan Beck, another multi-inning reliever, contributed two innings before backup catcher Logan Porter pitched the eighth.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated an Ohtani return could be near while speaking with reporters ahead of Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. He announced Ohtani would be throwing to live hitters early next week, then was asked if that would be his final step before making a full return to the mound.

The Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t missed a beat since winning the World Series in 2024, and now they’re set to get another major boost ahead of Monday’s matchup

Los Angeles Dodgers say Shohei Ohtani will make first pitching start since elbow surgery on Monday vs. San Diego Padres.

The right‑hander’s right shoulder issues resurface, jeopardizing his return this season. Meanwhile Kiké Hernandez and anthem singer Nezza speak out amid local protest climate.