Ohtani Returns to Mound; Stanton Activated by Yankees

Shohei Ohtani is set to make his first MLB pitching start since his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, debuting for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged the challenge as Ohtani returns to his two-way role, though his pitching outing may be brief. The New York Yankees have activated Giancarlo Stanton after a 70-game absence due to elbow injuries, assigning him as designated hitter against the Los Angeles Angels. Stanton's return provides a needed power boost to a Yankees lineup that was recently swept by the Boston Red Sox. His activation resulted in infielder Pablo Reyes being designated for assignment and is expected to reduce Paul Goldschmidt's playing time, particularly against right-handed pitchers. Stanton aims to regain his form after being a key contributor in the Yankees' previous postseason run as the team looks to maintain its AL East lead.