Dodgers to Start Shohei Ohtani in World Series Game 7
ARLINGTON, Texas – In a pivotal decision, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to start Shohei Ohtani as their pitcher in Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday, marking a high-stakes return to the mound for the two-way superstar.This will be the first seventh game in a World Series since 2019.
The move allows the Dodgers to retain Ohtani’s bat in the lineup throughout the game, leveraging MLB‘s two-way player rules. if Ohtani were to enter the game in relief, the Dodgers would lose their designated hitter (DH) spot unless he transitioned to the outfield. Starting him also avoids potential complications with warming up if his turn in the batting order arrived the inning before he might be needed to pitch.
Ohtani has made three pitching appearances this postseason, each lasting six innings, with a 3.50 ERA and 25 strikeouts across 18 innings. The only previous instance of Ohtani pitching on short rest came in 2023, following a rain-shortened two-inning start against the Red Sox with a seven-inning outing four days later.
The Dodgers have several bullpen options available, including Tyler Glasnow, who needed only three pitches to secure Friday’s save, and Blake Snell, who is available after starting Game 5 on Wednesday.Roki Sasaki, despite throwing 33 pitches in one-plus inning on Friday, is also expected to be available to manager Dave Roberts.All pitchers are available except for Game 6 starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
