LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is going to be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Monday night’s home game against the San Diego Padres, 21 months after the two-way star had elbow surgery.
The Dodgers made the announcement after Sunday night’s 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani likely will be used as an opener as the National League West Division leaders kick off a four-game set against the Padres. Los Angeles (43-29), the reigning World Series champion, has a two-game lead over the Giants, while the Padres are another game back in third.
And now the Dodgers will have some extra ammo on the mound.
“Shohei is getting antsy, which is a good thing for us,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the team announced the reigning NL MVP would get the ball Monday night.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be one or two innings, but my guess is probably an inning to start. But it’s a good thing. The live, simulated or whatever sort of ran its course. He’s ready to make his debut on the mound.”