katero
Jul 01, 2026

Dodgers Change Shohei Ohtani’s Schedule, Announce He’ll Now Pitch Against Padres

Dodgers Change Shohei Ohtani’s Schedule, Announce He’ll Now Pitch Against Padres

The Padres lineup will face the two-way star this weekend. Ricardo Sandoval|
Jun 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) points towards the San Diego Padres dugout during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
Jun 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) points towards the San Diego Padres dugout during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In this story:

Los Angeles DodgersSan Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres' offense will face Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher this weekend in a surprise twist.

The Dodgers announced that Ohtani, who was slated to start on Wednesday against the Athletics, will instead start on Friday against the Padres.

Shohei Ohtani will not start tomorrow against the A’s and will pitch Friday against the Padres.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 30, 2026

Friday will be the second of a four-game series between the Padres and Dodgers in Los Angeles. Michael King is currently expected to pitch that contest against Ohtani.

Wednesday's game for the Dodgers will be a bullpen game. On Thursday in the series opener against the Padres, the team is expected to start right-hander Roki Sasaki.

It's currently unclear why Ohtani's start was pushed back from Wednesday to Friday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said recently that the knee injury Ohtani suffered a couple weeks ago is still not fully healed. It's possible that played into the decision.

“I don’t think he’s 100% with his knee," Roberts said. "But as far as his swing mechanics, where he’s at, he’s on balance, he’s 100% in the box.”

Other posts