The Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani is gearing up for a milestone moment. On Saturday, he'll take the mound for Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. This marks the first time in MLB history a player starts a postseason game as both a pitcher and a non-pitcher in the same playoffs. Indeed, Ohtani's dual-threat prowess has been the talk all season, but now it steps into October spotlight.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision after sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round. Ohtani, who homered twice in that series opener, including a 454-foot blast, shifts from bat to arm. The Phillies counter with lefty Cristopher Sánchez, setting up an intriguing matchup. Game time is slated for 6:08 p.m. ET if the Yankees advance over the Red Sox, or 6:38 p.m. otherwise—details finalized amid the playoff shuffle.
However, the full NLDS schedule unfolds like this: Game 2 on Monday, October 6, back in Philly; Game 3 Wednesday the 8th at Dodger Stadium; a potential Game 4 Thursday the 9th; and if needed, Game 5 Saturday the 11th. The best-of-five series could swing on Ohtani's right arm, especially after his regular-season Tommy John recovery limited him to hitting duties. Critics wonder if rust shows, yet his velocity has ticked up lately, hinting at vintage form.
Moreover, this Dodgers squad, defending champions, boasts depth with Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw lurking. Phillies fans, though, eye their home-field edge and a lineup that pounded the Mets in the Wild Card. Ohtani's debut adds layers—historic, yes, but pressure-packed in a city expecting rings. The series promises tension from the jump.
As the playoffs heat up, one can't help but ponder how Ohtani's versatility reshapes baseball's biggest stage.