Ohtani returning to mound Monday vs. Padres

Shohei Ohtani's mound return is here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the two-way star will start Monday's series opener against the San Diego Padres.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said there is a "high possibility" Ohtani will be used as an opener, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya.

The skipper added Ohtani was "ready to pitch in a big-league game" and he let the Dodgers know he wanted to, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

The 30-year-old right-hander faced hitters during live batting practice on Tuesday. He threw 44 pitches without any concerns.

Ohtani hasn't pitched in a major-league game since August 2023, when he was still a member of the Los Angeles Angels. He underwent elbow surgery the following month.

The three-time MVP hasn't had issues swinging a bat since the procedure. He owns a .297/.393/.642 slash line with an NL-leading 25 home runs for the Dodgers this season.