Shohei Ohtani is making his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut , 643 days 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.
"He's ready to make his debut on the mound," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday night after the NL West leaders beat San Francisco.
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 in the leadoff spot.