Ohtani Nears Return as Dodgers Face Sasaki Injury Setback

Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers is finally happening on Monday night against the San Diego Padres.

This will be Ohtani’s first time pitching since elbow surgery late in 2023, and his debut on the mound for the Dodgers after landing that massive offseason deal.

He won’t pitch deep into the game, but with the Dodgers’ rotation so banged up, they’ll take whatever he can give right now.

Meanwhile, the team just got tough news about rookie Roki Sasaki.

His shoulder issues are worse than hoped, and he’s officially done for the year.

The Dodgers’ pitching drama just keeps ramping up as they try to hold onto first place in the NL West.

Ohtani’s Road Back to the Mound

Ohtani’s recovery from that elbow surgery has been under a microscope for months.

Fans all over the world have waited for this moment—his first start as a Dodger.

Monday night feels like a big deal, honestly.

It’s a chance to see if Ohtani’s arm can handle the pressure, especially now that the rotation’s in rough shape.

What to Expect from Ohtani on Monday

The buzz is real, but expectations are in check.

Manager Dave Roberts already said Ohtani will only throw a few innings.

The Dodgers want to ease him back and not risk anything with his elbow.

Every pitch feels like a bonus right now, considering how many injuries they’ve had.

• Ohtani last pitched in MLB on August 23, 2023.
• He signed with the Dodgers this offseason after rehabbing.
• Fans should expect a careful, short outing focused on keeping his elbow healthy.

The Fallout of Roki Sasaki’s Injury Update

Even with Ohtani’s comeback, Dodgers fans have to face the reality that Roki Sasaki won’t be back this season.

Sasaki’s been dealing with a stubborn shoulder problem since May 9, and now the team’s shutting him down for good.

Manager Dave Roberts said they’re preparing to move forward without him as the playoffs approach.

Sasaki’s Rookie Season at a Glance

Sasaki came in with huge expectations as one of Japan’s top pitching prospects.

He showed flashes of what he can do, but injuries just wouldn’t let up.

• 1-1 record
• 4.72 ERA
• 1.49 WHIP
• 24 strikeouts in limited outings

His numbers don’t really show how much potential he has, but losing him is a big blow for a rotation that’s already stretched thin.

The Dodgers’ Battle for the NL West

It’s not just Sasaki, either.

Los Angeles is also missing key starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, which makes holding onto first place even harder.

The Dodgers have just a two-game lead over the Giants, so every game feels like it matters more than usual.

Players like Ohtani are absolutely crucial right now.

The Silver Lining for Dodgers Fans

It’s a tough stretch, no doubt, but Ohtani’s return gives the Dodgers a much-needed boost.

Having a player of his caliber can lift the whole team, both on the field and in the clubhouse.

Plus, Ohtani’s two-way skills bring something special that hardly anyone else can offer as the Dodgers chase another playoff run.

Pitching Through Adversity

The Los Angeles Dodgers are staring down a gritty challenge as the regular season barrels toward a critical stretch.

Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound gives fans a reason to hope. Meanwhile, Roki Sasaki’s season-ending injury forces the organization to adapt.

Stars like Snell and Glasnow remain sidelined, so the Dodgers have to lean on the talent and resilience of whoever’s left. It’s not exactly the plan they drew up in spring training.

They’re walking a tightrope in the competitive NL West. Will this team’s stubborn streak be enough to handle everything thrown their way? Feels like nobody really knows yet.

Monday night’s clash against the Padres is shaping up to be a big one. Ohtani’s return will be both celebrated and, let’s be honest, scrutinized from every angle.

For the Dodgers, even a few innings of Ohtani brilliance could tip the scales. The final chapter of the 2025 season is about to get interesting.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Shohei Ohtani ‘potentially’ step from MLB mound as Dodgers dealt…