Dodgers Lock Shohei Ohtani In as Starting Pitcher and DH in World Series Game 7
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made it official: Shohei Ohtani will be the team's starting pitcher and designated hitter for Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday. This decision was all but inevitable, given Ohtani's incredible performance so far in the postseason.
With a $700 million contract extension signed just four days ago, Ohtani's role in the game is now clear-cut. According to manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani will likely pitch between two and four innings, serving as an "opener" before being available as a designated hitter after completing his outing.
The decision was made with caution, however, considering Ohtani's recent workload. Just four days ago, he pitched into the seventh inning of Game 4, throwing 93 pitches along the way. While he's been able to avoid early trouble, Roberts is aware that Ohtani's comfort level will be a factor in his pitching plan.
With Max Scherzer starting for the Blue Jays, the pressure on Ohtani to perform has never been higher. As the only designated two-way player in baseball, Ohtani's ability to remain in the game as a hitter after completing his pitching stint is a significant advantage.
The Dodgers' bullpen has shown promise so far in the World Series, with Will Klein and Justin Wrobleski offering strong performances. However, it's clear that Ohtani will take center stage for Game 7, putting the entire team's hopes on his shoulders.
Saturday's matchup will be a crucial test of Ohtani's abilities, as he faces off against Scherzer in what promises to be an epic showdown. The Los Angeles Dodgers are counting on their ace pitcher to deliver, and it's clear that Ohtani is more than up for the challenge.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made it official: Shohei Ohtani will be the team's starting pitcher and designated hitter for Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday. This decision was all but inevitable, given Ohtani's incredible performance so far in the postseason.
With a $700 million contract extension signed just four days ago, Ohtani's role in the game is now clear-cut. According to manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani will likely pitch between two and four innings, serving as an "opener" before being available as a designated hitter after completing his outing.
The decision was made with caution, however, considering Ohtani's recent workload. Just four days ago, he pitched into the seventh inning of Game 4, throwing 93 pitches along the way. While he's been able to avoid early trouble, Roberts is aware that Ohtani's comfort level will be a factor in his pitching plan.
With Max Scherzer starting for the Blue Jays, the pressure on Ohtani to perform has never been higher. As the only designated two-way player in baseball, Ohtani's ability to remain in the game as a hitter after completing his pitching stint is a significant advantage.
The Dodgers' bullpen has shown promise so far in the World Series, with Will Klein and Justin Wrobleski offering strong performances. However, it's clear that Ohtani will take center stage for Game 7, putting the entire team's hopes on his shoulders.
Saturday's matchup will be a crucial test of Ohtani's abilities, as he faces off against Scherzer in what promises to be an epic showdown. The Los Angeles Dodgers are counting on their ace pitcher to deliver, and it's clear that Ohtani is more than up for the challenge.
. His unique two-way talent has been a game-changer throughout the postseason. With his impressive performance on the mound, he's become the linchpin of the Dodgers' strategy. I think it's smart to have him start and then be available as a designated hitter – it's a calculated risk that could pay off big time 
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. His comfort level will be key, though, and manager Dave Roberts is wise to keep an eye on that. The bullpen has been solid so far, but it's clear they're not as reliable as having Ohtani at the plate to provide a spark 
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. I'm rooting for the Dodgers and their ace pitcher – bring it on!
The pressure on him will be huge but I have no doubt he's gonna crush it! 
His two-way skills are unmatched and Max Scherzer doesn't stand a chance against him 
. I'm all about that #OhtaniForMVP vibe right now 
Can you imagine the stats he'll get with his incredible performance? 
Can't believe they're countin' all their eggs in one basket with Shohei 
. The pressure's on, but I got faith in the dude 
. If he can stay focused and bring that fire 
i mean hes been throwing like 93 pitches in one game already, thats crazy talk. and now theyre putting all their hopes on his shoulders like shes the only one who can save them lol. what about the bullpen? cant they even throw a decent game for once? 
about Shohei Ohtani out there in Game 7! He's been on fire this postseason, but $700 million contract extension comes with a lot of pressure 
. I mean, who can even handle that kind of pressure? And now he's gotta pitch AND hit... it's like too much for any human being to handle 
. Let's hope the bullpen can step up and support their ace 
.
let's go dodgers! 
Can you imagine the pressure on Shohei Ohtani right now? Like, he's carrying the entire team on his shoulders! 
the pressure's on, but I know Shohei's gonna deliver 
. $700 million contract extension is wild though... has he ever thought about his future outside baseball tho? what if injuries happen or teams dont want him anymore? 
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. Scherzer better bring his A-game, or he'll be eating those losses 