Shohei Ohtani Reportedly to Pitch '1, Maybe 2 Innings' in Pitching Debut for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers intend to be very deliberate with Shohei Ohtani's return to pitching duties.

The team announced the two-way star will take the bump Monday against the San Diego Padres, but ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported he's likely to only throw one or two innings "in what will basically amount to a continuation of his rehab."

Jeff Passan of ESPN provided more context Monday on SportsCenter. He said the timeline for Ohtani to pitch "wasn't some long-term plan" and that the Dodgers let the three-time MVP guide the process:

"He can't go on a standard rehab outing where he's building up in the minor leagues, so the Dodgers are going to do that in the big leagues with him now. And he was saying to them, 'I'm ready to pitch. I feel good, I feel healthy, I feel like I can get big league hitters out right now.' So, tonight's outing is not going to be your standard start. It's going to be one, maybe two innings. But the hope, the dream is to build up, to make him into an October starter who joins the Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell and Tyler Glasow and the rest of their $100 million band in the postseason, and turns the Dodgers into the first team in a quarter century to go and repeat as World Series champions."

The fact that MLB officially recognizes Ohtani as a two-way player makes it easier for the Dodgers to be a little unconventional with his reintroduction to pitching.

Teams are limited to 13 pitchers on their active 26-man roster. Ohtani, however, doesn't count toward that number because of his unique status.

Manager Dave Roberts has an extra arm at his disposal, giving him more flexibility to use his best player as an opener rather than a traditional starter. The right-hander's usage can build up over time.

As much entertainment and value Ohtani provides as a hitter, the fact that he can pitch and hit is what makes him truly special. It will be a shame if he ever has to give up pitching altogether and be a full-time position player.

The Dodgers also need the Japanese standout because their starting rotation has been hammered by injuries. Glasnow and Snell are on the 60-day injured list, while Rōki Sasaki is on the 15-day IL.

Even if he is throwing one or two innings in his first few outings, Ohtani can help relieve some stress on a pitching staff being pushed to its limit.