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.

According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will throw a simulated game in the coming days, and it could "potentially" be his last. Ohtani could also join the pitching rotation "sooner rather than later," possibly within the next week.

Riddled by injuries so far this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation could be getting an infusion of Shohei Ohtani sooner than expected.