The Los Angeles Dodgers have successfully forced a Game 7 in the World Series, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown. In a crucial decision, Shohei Ohtani is anticipated to take the mound as the starting pitcher for the Dodgers in this winner-take-all contest. This matchup will occur only four days after his impressive six-plus-inning performance, where he threw 93 pitches in Game 4.
According to sources familiar with the situation, who are not authorized to speak publicly, Ohtani is likely to serve as the team’s opener on Saturday. Although it’s expected that he won’t pitch a full-length game, fans can anticipate that he will manage to complete at least two to three innings, depending on the intensity of his outing. There’s even the possibility that he could stretch his performance to four or five innings, marking only his second career MLB outing on three days’ rest.
Ohtani's only previous experience pitching on three days' rest occurred in 2023. In that instance, he followed a rain-shortened two-inning start against the Boston Red Sox with a stellar seven-inning performance just four days later. The circumstances this Saturday will be entirely different, as it marks the first Game 7 in the World Series since 2019, heightening the stakes for both teams involved.
By appointing Ohtani as the starting pitcher, the Dodgers ensure that they retain his powerful bat for the entirety of the game. Thanks to MLB’s two-way player rules, if Ohtani were to enter the game as a relief pitcher, he would need to shift to the outfield to remain in play. This strategic move not only secures his batting potential but also eliminates potential complications related to his warm-up time if his batting order position arises in the preceding inning.
Ohtani’s postseason stats are impressive, as he has consistently completed six innings in each of his three pitching appearances. He boasts a solid 3.50 ERA and has racked up 25 strikeouts over 18 innings pitched. His performance will be crucial for the Dodgers as they seek to clinch the championship title in this decisive game.
The Dodgers will have several options to back up Ohtani during the game. Tyler Glasnow is expected to be available, having needed only three pitches to secure the save in Friday's thrilling finish. Additionally, Blake Snell has indicated his readiness to contribute after his start in Game 5 on Wednesday. The bullpen will also include Roki Sasaki, who should be at the disposal of manager Dave Roberts, despite having thrown 33 pitches in just one-plus inning of work on Friday.
As the Dodgers prepare for this pivotal Game 7, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Shohei Ohtani, whose dual-threat capability as both a pitcher and a hitter could play a vital role in determining the outcome of the series. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the World Series.
