The anticipation to see Shohei Ohtani in his first postseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been enormous, and it has finally been revealed what his role will be in October
The team’s manager, Dave Roberts, confirmed that the Japanese star will be part of the starting rotation during the playoffs, making it clear that he will not be used as a reliever, at least at the start of the postseason.
Ohtani to start in playoffs
Roberts stated that the current plan is for Ohtani to be one of the starting pitchers in the postseason. “Yes, we see him as a starter,” said the manager. Although he left open the possibility of adjustments if circumstances require it, the idea is to keep him in that role. “It could change later, but for now we see him as part of the rotation,” he added.
No opportunities as a reliever
During the regular season, Ohtani has not been used as a reliever, and Roberts confirmed that this will not change for the remainder of the schedule. Although he acknowledged that the Japanese has experience in that role, as in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he closed the final game against the United States, the team prefers to maintain a clear structure before experimenting in the postseason.
Ohtani’s pitching statistics
In 12 starts this season, Ohtani has posted a 3.75 ERA and an impressive 6.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His first pitching appearance in 2025 was on June 16, in a 6-3 victory over the Padres. Since then, he has shown that he can be a key piece in the Dodgers’ rotation.
Previous experience in times of pressure
Although Ohtani has not had MLB playoff experience until this year, his performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic was an example of how he handles pressure. In that tournament, he came on as a closer in the final against the United States and struck out Mike Trout in a moment that went down in international baseball history.
Lessons from the past
Roberts also mentioned that Ohtani has matured in his offensive approach. “Last year, in pressure moments, I saw him a little anxious, chasing pitches. Now he’s more disciplined at the plate, and that’s what makes a superstar in October,” the manager commented. This evolution will be key for Ohtani to shine as both a hitter and a pitcher.
Ohtani, the centerpiece in October
The confirmation of Shohei Ohtani‘s role as a starter in the playoffs marks an important moment for the Dodgers. With his two-way talent and international experience, the Japanese is ready to face the challenge of October. Although he will not be a reliever for now, his versatility remains a valuable resource for the team in case the script changes in the postseason.
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