Dodger Stadium is buzzing with anticipation, and it’s not just because of Shohei Ohtani’s prowess at the plate. The two-way phenom is gearing up for his much-awaited pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Padres on Monday. But if you’re planning to witness this spectacle live, prepare to dig deep into your wallet. Tickets on resale platforms are setting fans back anywhere from $98 for the nosebleeds to a staggering $2,668 for those coveted spots behind home plate.
After a significant hiatus, Ohtani is ready to take the mound again since last pitching on August 23, 2023, when he sustained a UCL tear with the Angels. This injury led to Tommy John surgery, followed by an intensive recovery period and further rehab due to a labrum issue in late 2024. Now, after several bullpen sessions and a simulated game, the Dodgers have announced that their reigning MVP is primed to pitch “a few innings” in a piggyback role.
Ohtani’s return is a timely addition for the Dodgers, who are in need of pitching depth with several arms on the injured list. While he won’t be stretched out yet, just having him on the mound, even for a short stint, is sure to lift the team’s spirits. Ohtani boasts a career pitching record of 38-19, posting a 3.01 ERA and racking up 608 strikeouts over 481.2 innings, numbers that speak volumes about his dominance.
This season, Ohtani has already made an offensive impact in Los Angeles, hitting .297 with 25 homers and boasting a .642 slugging percentage and a 1.034 OPS. He recently lit up the Giants with a two-home run game, demonstrating that his time away from pitching hasn’t dulled his batting skills one bit.
With the buzz building and Dodger Stadium sure to be jam-packed, all eyes will be fixated on Monday night. Should Ohtani channel his ace-level performance of the past, the Dodgers may just have unveiled their secret midseason weapon once more.
