Shohei Ohtani is expected to pitch early in the 2026 season , but the Dodgers have not yet locked in a specific date. Recent reporting says he should be in the rotation without pitch limits , while also getting extra rest, and that he was not scheduled to start Opening Day.

What’s known

  • Ohtani is set to return to the mound in 2026 without restrictions.
  • The Dodgers have not publicly named his exact first start yet.
  • The current Dodgers schedule shows the team is already underway, so his next outing should be soon , but not confirmed from the information available here.

If you mean the next confirmed start

I can only say it is not officially announced in the sources I found. The safest read is: expect him to pitch shortly after Opening Day, but wait for the Dodgers’ probable pitchers list or game-day announcement for the exact date.

If you want, I can also help you track his next scheduled start once it’s posted.