"It’s going to be really fun": Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw can't wait to see Shohei Ohtani pitch tonight against Padres

At last, the big night has arrived. Shohei Ohtani's pitching debut in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, and the energy to be this evening is palpable in the clubhouse. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw summed it up perfectly in a chat with Los Angeles Times reporter Dylan Hernández:

“I think we all are (hyped for Ohtani’s debut).

I think as fans of the game and just seeing him day in and day out get ready to pitch and do both, it’s going to be really fun, whether it’s one inning or whatever it is.”Shohei Ohtani has been just a hitter since he had elbow surgery last year, but it is anticipated that Ohtani will pitch a short outing, perhaps only an inning, against the San Diego Padres, his first time on a mound since June 6, 2022, when he was still batting and pitching at the same time.

This will be Ohtani's first pitching game in almost 22 months.

Shohei Ohtani returns to the mound after a long layoff

Shohei Ohtani last pitched in a Major League game in August 2023 while with the Los Angeles Angels. He has since fought through injury and recovery, fighting months of rehab and bullpens to regain strength. He cleared a major hurdle just this past week, when he threw 44 pitches in a simulated game.

Especially now with the Dodgers' organization in the midst of an unprecedented injury crisis (14 pitchers on the injured list, including top-of-the-rotation starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow), Ohtani's return would be providing more than just hope.

It might only be one inning tonight, but this is as much a boost for the team as it is symbolic and strategic.

Dodgers banking on Shohei Ohtani’s two-way magic

Manager Dave Roberts explained that in the current situation, where the rotation is thin on the roster, Ohtani’s pitching is essentially ‘additive.’ It was, of course, in the middle of another stellar offensive season for Ohtani, which has continued unperturbed. He leads the National League in home runs (25), OPS (1.035), and slugging at the moment.

His bat remains in midseason form.Also Read: Shohei Ohtani to make long-awaited Dodgers pitching debut against Padres on MondayThe Dodgers gain a level of roster flexibility that few teams could achieve, considering that Ohtani would likely suit as a designated hitter and pitcher in the same game. To the fans, it is a reminder of why Ohtani coming to Los Angeles was one of the biggest signings in the history of baseball.