Ohtani Makes Dodgers Debut Against Guardians

Superstar two-way player Shohei Ohtani takes the mound for the first time as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:42pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Shohei Ohtani's pitching motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the moment.Shohei Ohtani's highly anticipated Dodgers debut will showcase his dynamic pitching style and the team's championship aspirations.Los Angeles Today

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to make his first start of the season on the mound on Tuesday. He will face off against the Cleveland Guardians in the middle game of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.

Why it matters

Ohtani's move to the Dodgers was one of the biggest offseason stories in baseball, as the reigning AL MVP joins one of the league's most talented rosters. His debut on the mound will be closely watched by fans eager to see how he performs in his new uniform.

The details

Ohtani, who signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Dodgers in the offseason, is expected to continue his dual role as both a starting pitcher and a power-hitting designated hitter. The Guardians will be the first team to face Ohtani on the mound since he joined the Dodgers.

  • Ohtani's first start for the Dodgers is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The Dodgers are hosting the Guardians in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way superstar who recently signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers after winning the AL MVP award with the Los Angeles Angels.

Cleveland Guardians

The opposing team that Ohtani and the Dodgers will face in his first start of the season.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The team that Ohtani joined in the offseason, one of the most talented rosters in Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have Shohei on our team and can't wait to see him take the mound for the first time as a Dodger.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

Ohtani's performance in this game will be closely watched, as it will be the first indication of how he will fare as a starting pitcher for the Dodgers this season.

The takeaway

Ohtani's debut with the Dodgers is a highly anticipated event, as the two-way star joins one of the most talented rosters in baseball. His success on the mound will be crucial to the Dodgers' championship aspirations this season.