Shohei Ohtani is set to make his first pitching appearance since August 2023, and the excitement among Los Angeles Dodgers fans is palpable. The reigning National League MVP will take the mound on Monday night against the San Diego Padres, marking his debut as a pitcher for the Dodgers.

Ticket Prices Skyrocket The announcement of Ohtani's return has led to a dramatic increase in ticket prices. According to VividSeats, the average listed ticket price jumped from $129 to $294, reflecting a 128% spike in demand. The get-in price for Monday's game is $111, more than double the average ticket price for Ohtani's previous start in 2023.

Fan Interest Peaks Unsurprisingly, the interest in seeing Ohtani pitch is massive among fans of the reigning World Series champions. Web traffic to the Dodgers' page on VividSeats surged 141% overnight. Fans are eager to witness Ohtani's return to the mound, even though he is expected to throw no more than two innings.

Historical Context Ohtani's last pitching appearance was in August 2023, when he sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament while pitching for the Los Angeles Angels. After signing with the Dodgers in the ensuing offseason, Ohtani spent the 2024 season exclusively as a designated hitter. His return to pitching is a significant moment for both the player and the team.

What to Expect While Dodgers fans are thrilled to see Ohtani back on the mound, they should temper their expectations regarding his performance. Given his recent recovery, Ohtani is not expected to pitch more than two innings. Nevertheless, his presence alone is enough to draw a crowd and create a buzz around the game.

Conclusion Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound is a highly anticipated event that has already had a significant impact on ticket prices and fan interest. As the Dodgers face the Padres, all eyes will be on Ohtani as he takes his first steps back into pitching after a lengthy hiatus.