Dodgers' Dave Roberts Announces Shohei Ohtani's Pitching Schedule

Ohtani will take the mound against the Giants and during the Freeway Series as he ramps up for the regular season.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:20am by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that two-way star Shohei Ohtani will make his next pitching appearances in upcoming Cactus League games against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday and during the Freeway Series. Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers in 2024 after a successful run with the Angels, is expected to be on a pitch count as he prepares for the regular season after not pitching in his first year with the team.

Why it matters

Ohtani's ability to excel as both a hitter and pitcher is a rare and highly anticipated talent in Major League Baseball. Fans are eager to see him back on the mound for the Dodgers as the team gears up for the new season.

The details

After returning from the World Baseball Classic, where his Team Japan was eliminated, Ohtani will take the mound for the Dodgers in a Cactus League game against the Giants on Wednesday. Roberts also said Ohtani will pitch again during the Freeway Series, the annual exhibition games between the Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani did not pitch in his first season with the Dodgers in 2024 but made his pitching debut midway through the 2025 campaign.

  • Ohtani will pitch against the Giants on Wednesday, March 20, 2026.
  • Ohtani will pitch again during the Freeway Series, which takes place in late March before the regular season begins.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way star who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024 after a successful run with the Los Angeles Angels, where he established himself as one of the most unique talents in Major League Baseball.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who announced Ohtani's upcoming pitching schedule as the team prepares for the start of the 2026 regular season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Shohei Ohtani will pitch in tomorrow's Cactus League game against the Giants, and again during the Freeway Series.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers (The Athletic)

What’s next

Ohtani's pitching appearances in the Cactus League and Freeway Series will be closely watched as he ramps up for the start of the 2026 regular season with the Dodgers.

The takeaway

Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound for the Dodgers is an exciting development for baseball fans, as the two-way star looks to build on his success and help the team contend for a championship in the upcoming season.