Shohei Ohtani is making his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut, 21 months after the two-way superstar had elbow surgery. Ohtani will start and pitch an inning or two against the San Diego Padres on Monday night in the series opener. The Japanese right-hander has been throwing simulated games recently in preparation for his return while still wielding his powerful bat in the lineup. Typically, pitchers returning from injuries go on minor-league rehab assignments, but Ohtani is an exception. The three-time MVP is batting .290 with 25 homers, which leads the National League, 41 RBIs and 11 stolen bases as the designated hitter in the leadoff spot.