Shohei Ohtani is set to return as a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday against the San Diego Padres, marking his first appearance on the mound since undergoing elbow surgery. Manager Dave Roberts expressed excitement about Ohtani's eagerness to pitch, although it's expected he may only throw for one or two innings. Ohtani's prowess is evidenced by his impressive batting statistics this season, contributing significantly to the Dodgers' success and solidifying his position with a $700 million contract.

In the meantime, the Dodgers have faced pitching challenges, with injuries to key players like Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow leading to a reliance on bullpen strategies. The team is optimistic about Ohtani's return, viewing it as a boost not just for the pitching rotation but also for team morale as they continue their push for a playoff spot.