In a move that's already buzzing through baseball circles, the Los Angeles Dodgers have named Shohei Ohtani as their starter for Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. This Saturday's matchup at Citizens Bank Park marks Ohtani's long-awaited postseason pitching debut, a historic first for the two-way superstar. Indeed, he'll be the initial player in MLB history to both pitch and play as a non-pitcher in the same playoffs, adding layers of intrigue to what promises to be a tense series.
The Dodgers earned their spot with a swift sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round, showcasing their depth despite some injury hurdles earlier in the season. Ohtani, of course, contributed mightily at the plate during that series, including a pair of home runs in the opener that underscored his offensive prowess. Now, shifting to the mound, he'll face off against Phillies lefty Cristopher Sánchez in what could set the tone for the best-of-five affair. The game kicks off around 6 p.m. Eastern, depending on final broadcast alignments, but the pressure is palpable—Philadelphia's home crowd will be roaring from the start.
Moreover, the full NLDS schedule unfolds quickly: Game 2 on Monday, October 6, back at Citizens Bank Park, followed by a potential shift to Dodger Stadium for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 8. If needed, Games 4 and 5 would wrap up by October 11. Ohtani's readiness for this role has been a topic of speculation all year, especially after his Tommy John recovery and a dominant regular season where he slashed .310/.390/.646 with 54 homers. Yet, skeptics wonder if the bright lights will expose any rust on his arm.
However, Roberts' decision signals confidence in Ohtani's versatility, even as the Dodgers navigate a rotation that's seen its share of bumps. The Phillies, fresh off a strong regular season, bring their own firepower, making this clash a genuine test of wills. Indeed, with both teams eyeing the pennant, every pitch counts.
As Ohtani takes the mound, one can't help but ponder how this bold strategy might redefine postseason narratives in the years ahead.