It has been announced by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts that Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to be pitching in the upcoming World Series. Ohtani could not possibly take the pitch, as stated by Roberts, who said there was “no possibility, none whatsoever that he would do so in this Fall Classic.”
Ohtani, who in December signed an unprecedented seven hundred million dollar, ten-year free-agent contract with the Dodgers, has mostly been kept limited to designated hitter responsibilities this season while he heals from elbow surgery he had in September 2018. Ohtani is well-known for his exceptional abilities to hit and pitch. He created history as a hitter by being the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
There was speculation regarding Ohtani’s potential position in the Dodgers’ postseason bullpen as his throwing recovery improved toward the end of the season. As the Dodgers advanced to the World Series, despite a roster affected by rotation injuries, fans and experts continued to speculate about the chances of Ohtani pitching in the postseason, despite general manager Brandon Gomes’ earlier declaration that they “don’t expect [Ohtani] pitching in the postseason.”
Ohtani made it clear on Thursday that he hadn’t discussed the idea of pitching in the postseason with the team and that it was never an option. “I’ve never told them that I would like to pitch in the postseason,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton.
Additionally, Ohtani’s role would continue to be centered on hitting for the time being, as Roberts had previously rejected the idea of him playing in the outfield during the playoffs.
Ohtani has an outstanding record as a pitcher in Major League Baseball, with a 38-19 win-loss record, a 3.01 ERA, and a 142 ERA+, proving his abilities. He showed promise as a strong rotation piece in 2022 by placing fourth in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
Even though Ohtani wasn’t able to pitch in the World Series, the Dodgers and fans equally are eager to see him return to the mound because of his outstanding dual-threat potential, which can greatly strengthen the team’s rotation in the seasons.
