Shohei Ohtani will take another step in his return to full two-way stardom this Saturday when he makes his third pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will start the afternoon game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. PT.
The reigning National League MVP has served as an opener in his first two starts, throwing a total of two innings as he eases back into pitching following his second major elbow surgery. So far, Ohtani has allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts and no walks. While his command is still sharpening, he touched 100 mph in his Dodgers debut on the mound.
Ohtani Set for Third Start on Mound as Dodgers Visit Royals, But Remain Cautious With Recovery
“I think we’re always gonna be cautious,” Roberts said earlier in the week. “So I don’t even know what that’s going to look like, to be ‘fully built-up.’ … To say six (innings) and 90 (pitches), I don’t even know if we’ll get to that point.”
Ohtani threw 28 pitches in his first outing and just 18 in his second. While a longer outing is possible Saturday, the Dodgers have avoided placing firm pitch or inning limits on him as he builds up arm strength. Ben Casparius has followed Ohtani in both outings and could be next up again against the Royals.
This start will mark Ohtani’s first on the road since returning to the mound. His previous two came in front of enthusiastic Dodger Stadium crowds, including a perfect inning with two strikeouts against the Nationals last week.
The Dodgers enter the weekend with a 5.5-game lead in the NL West. As Ohtani continues contributing both at the plate and now on the mound, his gradual return as a pitcher could be one of the most impactful storylines of the 2025 season.