The Dodgers announced the two-way star will take the mound Monday, June 16 against the San Diego Padres. The announcement came shortly after Roberts told reporters there was a "high possibility" of him pitching during the four-game series against the division rival, adding it would occur in an opener role for a bullpen game.

Shohei Ohtani is returning to the mound. Ohtani will pitch on Monday, serving as the Dodgers starter against the Padres for his first pitching appearance since 2023. Ohtani, who had elbow surgery nearly two years ago, will pitch as an opener, per manager Dave Roberts. He recently threw 44 pitches in a simulated game.