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. The two-way superstar, fresh off a dominant regular season, steps into uncharted territory as the first player ever to start both as a pitcher and hitter in the same postseason. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision late Wednesday, just hours after his team swept the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round with an 8-4 victory.
Ohtani's arm hasn't seen major league action since last year, but his electric stuff during rehab and exhibitions has teammates convinced he's ready. Indeed, the Dodgers are banking on his velocity—clocking triple digits in recent bullpens—to neutralize a Phillies lineup that's been scorching hot at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia counters with lefty Cristopher Sánchez, who posted a solid 3.32 ERA this year. The series opener kicks off at 6:08 p.m. ET if the Yankees advance, or 6:38 p.m. if Boston pulls it off in their Wild Card matchup. Game 2 follows Monday, with potential Games 3 through 5 stretching to October 11 if it goes the distance.
However, this isn't just about schedules or starters. Ohtani's dual-threat presence has redefined the playoffs' intensity, especially for a Dodgers squad eyeing back-to-back World Series titles. His Game 1 homer against the Reds—a 454-foot blast—set the tone for LA's sweep, reminding everyone why he signed that massive $700 million deal. Yet, risks linger; elbow concerns from his Angels days make every pitch a calculated gamble. The Phillies, no strangers to October drama, boast aces like Zack Wheeler waiting in the wings.
Moreover, the matchup pits West Coast firepower against East Coast grit, with both teams boasting top payrolls and star power. Ohtani's debut could swing the series early, but baseball's unpredictability always humbles the bold. As the first pitch approaches, one wonders if this will cement his legend or expose the limits of even superhuman talent.