The day Los Angeles Dodgers fans have been waiting for is finally coming, as superstar Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the mound for his first pitching appearance for LA since inking a massive 10-year, $700 million contract with the franchise in December of 2023.

The day that the Dodgers have been waiting for since they signed Shohei Ohtani to a then-record contract is nearly here: Ohtani's first start as a pitcher in a Dodgers uniform is set for Monday night against the Padres.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters after Sunday's game that Ohtani would "most likely" make his return to pitching by opening a game against the San Diego Padres this week. Minutes late, the Dodgers announced Ohtani would start the series opener on Monday.