Shohei Ohtani has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in baseball, setting new benchmarks for the game's future. Known for his love of challenges, Ohtani now faces one of his most significant tests yet. According to a source familiar with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ strategy, Ohtani is set to start in Game 7 of the World Series on just three days' rest. Not only will he take the mound, but he will also fulfill his usual duties as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter and designated hitter. A win could solidify the Dodgers' place in history as the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles since the legendary New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000.
The mystery surrounding Ohtani adds to his allure as a player. While it can be challenging to decipher his thoughts, one can imagine his mindset as he prepared for a critical Game 7 after the Dodgers' nail-biting 3-1 victory in Game 6. The anticipation of facing the Toronto Blue Jays and the significance of this matchup—being the first Game 7 in the World Series since 2019—must have been palpable. Ohtani seems ready to embrace whatever it takes to secure this victory, no matter the number of innings required.
The upcoming game presents a thrilling clash between Ohtani and veteran right-hander Max Scherzer, a duel that showcases two potential future Hall of Famers—one in the prime of his career and the other in its twilight. Scherzer, now 41, will be making his second appearance in a Game 7, having previously pitched in one for the Washington Nationals in 2019. His impressive postseason track record includes a 3.52 ERA in five previous winner-take-all games.
Ohtani, at 31, has a limited history of pitching on short rest, having only done so once before, in a game affected by rain delays. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has yet to confirm Ohtani's role for Game 7, expressing uncertainty about how much he can push the star player. Ohtani threw 93 pitches in Game 4 just one day after an exhausting performance where he reached base nine times in an 18-inning Game 3. “That’s a good question,” Roberts remarked during his postgame interview. “Right now, there’s no wrong answer. He’s certainly going to be a part of the pitching plan.”
The Dodgers face a unique challenge due to the Ohtani rule, implemented by Major League Baseball in 2022 to support his dual-threat capabilities. This rule allows a starting pitcher who also serves as a designated hitter to remain in the game as a hitter after being removed from pitching. However, if Ohtani is used as a reliever, the Dodgers would lose their designated hitter, placing them at a significant disadvantage. This rule becomes critical in deciding Ohtani's role for Game 7, as the team must weigh the risks carefully.
After an extensive season where Ohtani pitched 65 innings and made 805 plate appearances—including playoffs—concerns about fatigue are looming. His playoff performance has been inconsistent; despite three standout games, he has struggled recently, going 1 for 10 with two walks since the grueling 18-inning Game 3. The Dodgers have handled Ohtani's pitching workload cautiously this season, but indications show he is eager to rise to the occasion.
With every other Dodgers pitcher available for Game 7 except for Game 6 starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the question remains: who else can the team rely on? Right-hander Emmet Sheehan lacks experience, while lefty Clayton Kershaw is nearing retirement. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow, initially scheduled to start Game 7, is open to pitching again after a brief outing in Game 6. However, using him as a reliever would complicate matters significantly, making Ohtani the most logical choice.
As the biggest star in baseball, Shohei Ohtani’s journey has led him to this pivotal moment. With all eyes on him, the expectation is clear: he will start Game 7 on short rest while also fulfilling his role as a designated hitter. This high-stakes game could not only define the Dodgers' 2023 season but also set the stage for Ohtani’s future in Major League Baseball.
