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's matchup at Citizens Bank Park marks Ohtani's first postseason start as a pitcher, a historic step for the two-way superstar who's redefined the game since joining the Dodgers on that massive 10-year, $700 million deal.
The Dodgers earned their spot with a swift sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round, their offense firing on all cylinders—Ohtani himself crushed two homers in that opener. Now, facing a Phillies team that's been waiting in the wings after clinching the NL's top seed, the series kicks off with Ohtani versus Cristopher Sánchez. Indeed, the timing feels loaded; Ohtani's elbow rehab has kept him from pitching since last year, and this debut carries the weight of expectations in a best-of-five that could go the distance.
However, the schedule lays it out clearly: Game 1 on Saturday evening, likely around 6 p.m. Eastern, followed by Game 2 on Monday, October 6. If needed, things shift to Dodger Stadium for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 8, with potential Game 4 the next day and a decisive fifth on Saturday, October 11. Moreover, this isn't just another series—Ohtani's lined up to hit in later games too, making him the first player ever to start both pitching and non-pitching in the same playoffs. The Dodgers' rotation depth, with guys like Yoshinobu Yamamoto lurking, adds layers, but Ohtani's arm is the real wildcard here.
Critics might whisper about the risk, given his injury history, yet Roberts' decision underscores the trust in Ohtani's versatility. The Phillies, no slouches with their powerhouse lineup, will test that resolve early. As the playoffs unfold, one can't help but wonder how this bold gamble shapes the Dodgers' championship chase.