Dodgers spark frenzy with huge Shohei Ohtani announcement

Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres on Monday night, the team has announced.

The two-way phenom, 30, has not pitched in a MLB game for close to two years after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery back in September 2023.

Yet following what has been an extremely long road to recovery, he will finally make his return to the mound when the Padres visit Dodger Stadium for the first of their three-game series.

Dodgers fans have been left ecstatic after hearing the news, with one writing on X in disbelief: 'WHAT'.

Another commented: 'Wow ! At Last!!'

'2-WAY OHTANI IS BACK,' exclaimed a third.

While one simply put: 'The legend is back'.

Before the team announced he would get the ball on Monday night, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani 'is getting antsy, which is a good thing for us.'

'I don't know if it's going to be one or two innings, but my guess is probably an inning to start,' Roberts added. '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.'

Ohtani has not pitched in a game since August 23, 2023, when he got hurt during a start for city rivals the LA Angels against Cincinnati. He had Tommy John surgery on October 1, 2018, and is recovering from a second on September 19, 2023.

In the second season of a $700million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers, he paused his pitching work after a mound session on February 25 to prepare for opening day as a hitter, then started bullpen sessions on March 29 and batting practice on May 25.

Roberts said he is excited to see Ohtani pitch in a big league game again.

'There's been a lot of anticipation,' he said. 'I think we've done it the right way as far as our process, communicating with Shohei and feeling good. It's good for our team. 

'Our guys are excited about this potential. And obviously, most important, I'm excited for Shohei.'

A three-time MVP, Ohtani is hitting .297 with an NL-leading 1.035 OPS, 25 homers and 41 RBIs. A batter only last year in his first season with the Dodgers, he hit .290 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs and 59 stolen bases.

His second Tommy John procedure was performed by renowned sports surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who Roberts said would determine the timeline of his comeback in conjunction with the team's training staff. 

The Japanese player also received surgery for a torn labrum on November 4 after injuring it in the Dodgers' World Series win over the New York Yankees.

He first began throwing bullpen sessions at spring training in February before taking a break from pitching until late March.