Dodgers’ World Series Game 7 Pitching Plans: Why Shohei Ohtani Is Starting vs. Blue Jays

The World Series Drama Unfolds: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays

On a thrilling night in the heart of October baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their place in Game 7 of the World Series with a narrow victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. The dramatic 3-1 win not only evened the best-of-seven series but also set the stage for one of the most anticipated moments in professional sports: a showdown between two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer.

The Decision Behind the Decisive Starter

With Game 7 looming on Saturday, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts faced a critical decision. The answer was clear: Shohei Ohtani would start the game for Los Angeles. This choice was not just a tactical move but also a nod to MLB rules that dictate how Ohtani can remain in the game as both pitcher and designated hitter (DH).

MLB Rules and Ohtani’s Unique Role

The rulebook states explicitly: “Starting Pitcher as Designated Hitter.” According to Rule 5.11(b), if a starting pitcher wants to bat for himself, the player must be listed twice on the lineup card – once as the starting pitcher and once as the designated hitter. This means that if Ohtani is replaced after pitching, he can still continue hitting; similarly, if he’s replaced as a DH, he can remain in the game as a pitcher.

“MLB rules are clear,” explained R.J. Anderson in his article. “Ohtani can only stay in the game to bat as the designated hitter if he starts pitching.” This unique flexibility is what makes Ohtani’s role both crucial and complex for the Dodgers’ strategy.

Logistical Considerations and Team Strategy

The decision to start Ohtani with no rest after his Game 4 appearance was also driven by logistical considerations. Tyler Glasnow, who had been a leading candidate due to his bulk-pitching capabilities, was used in the decisive Game 6 instead. Despite this brief outing, there is little doubt that Glasnow will again be called upon as a reliever.

However, the Dodgers opted for Ohtani’s presence on both sides of the diamond. “Even if Glasnow can pitch (and perhaps pitch heavily) in Saturday’s game,” Anderson noted, “Ohtani was the obvious choice to open up the contest.” This decision underscores not only the team’s faith in their star player but also a strategic move to avoid overexposing their bullpen.

Future Implications

The outcome of Game 7 could be pivotal for both teams. For the Dodgers, maintaining Ohtani’s presence as both pitcher and DH offers them a versatile weapon that can adapt to any situation on the field. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays will hope to capitalize on their own strengths, knowing that facing Ohtani in both roles is a significant challenge.

As the championship-deciding game approaches, all eyes are on the unique dynamics of this matchup and how it might shape the future of baseball. The World Series Game 7 promises not only intense competition but also a fascinating exploration of rule flexibility that has become one of the most intriguing aspects of Shohei Ohtani’s career.