In a move that's already buzzing through baseball circles, Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. This Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, the two-way superstar steps into uncharted territory, marking the first time in MLB history a player starts both as a pitcher and position player in the same postseason. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision late Wednesday, just hours after his team wrapped up a convincing sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round.
Ohtani's return to pitching comes with its share of intrigue. After elbow surgery sidelined him last year, he's been building back steadily, logging 10 starts this season with a respectable 3.18 ERA. Yet, the pressure here feels amplified—Philadelphia's lineup, powered by stars like Bryce Harper, won't offer any easy innings. Indeed, the Phillies enter as the NL's top seed, fresh off a first-round bye, and they're countering with lefty Cristopher Sánchez on the hill. It's a matchup that could set the tone for this best-of-five series, especially with the Dodgers chasing a repeat World Series title after last year's triumph.
The schedule rolls out quickly: Game 1 on Saturday at 6:08 p.m. ET, assuming the American League Wild Card wraps as expected. Game 2 follows Monday evening back in Philly, then shifts to Dodger Stadium for Game 3 on Wednesday if needed. Moreover, potential Game 4 and 5 could extend things through the weekend, keeping Ohtani's dual role in sharp focus—he's already slashing .310 with 54 homers this year at the plate. However, Roberts hinted at careful management, suggesting Ohtani might DH in subsequent games to preserve his arm.
Critics might wonder if thrusting Ohtani into this spotlight so soon risks burnout, but his electric talent has a way of silencing doubts. The Dodgers, bolstered by additions like Roki Sasaki, look primed, though Philadelphia's home crowd will make it anything but routine. As these powerhouses collide, one can't help but ponder how Ohtani's versatility might redefine October baseball.