Shohei Ohtani makes his long-awaited return to the mound in his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut tonight vs. the San Diego Padres.
I've isolated three MLB player props dedicated to Ohtani for our MLB picks on Monday, June 16.
You can also check out Neil Parker's full Padres vs. Dodgers predictions!
Best Shohei Ohtani props today
Ohtani o1.5 Ks (+100)- Ohtani o0.5 BBs (+128)
- Ohtani o1.5 TB (-105)
Shohei Ohtani props for June 16
Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 pitcher strikeouts (+100 at Caesars)
Los Angeles Dodgers unicorn Shohei Ohtani hasn't pitched since 2023, when he was still playing for the Los Angeles Angels. He gets the nod tonight, and while he isn't expected to pitch long — he'll be used as an opener, and likely limited to two innings — it will be enough for him to record a pair of strikeouts.
For his career, Ohtani has a 31.2% strikeout rate and punches out 11.39 opponents per nine innings of work. Assuming he can last into the second frame vs. the San Diego Padres tonight, he'll clear it.
The Padres don't strike out a ton, but they are a much worse offense on the road and Ohtani is not your garden variety hurler.
Shohei Ohtani Over 0.5 walks issued (+128 at bet365)
Getting plus money for Ohtani to issue a single free pass is excellent value. Even at his best, Ohtani wasn't one of MLB's most efficient pitchers.
He owns an 8.9% walk rate and 3.23 BB/9. Considering the rust from not pitching in nearly two years, even a pitcher of Ohtani's caliber can get himself into trouble right out of the gates.
Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 total bases (-105 at Caesars)
Even though he's starting on the mound, Ohtani will still take his hacks against Padres starter Dylan Cease.
Ohtani thrives in almost every matchup but he has a .318/.375/.773 slash line with three home runs in 22 at-bats vs. the right-hander for his career. He'll be amped to be pitching, but his offense won't suddenly go by the wayside.
