Introduction to the World Series Game 7
The planets have aligned for Shohei Ohtani, setting the stage for another climactic finish to the latest chapter of this real-life manga. The elements are in place, and baseball might never be the same after this World Series Game 7. Ohtani will be the Dodgers’ starting pitcher and designated hitter, making this his moment to shine.
The Stakes for Ohtani
If Ohtani dominates the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night at Rogers Center, he will cement his status as a baseball legend, comparable to Michael Jordan in basketball, Tom Brady in football, or Wayne Gretzky in hockey. With eight home runs, he’s already tied Corey Seager’s record for the most home runs by a Dodgers player in a single postseason. Ohtani will now have a chance to pick up his third win of these playoffs, in a game to clinch the World Series.
Ohtani’s Journey to Game 7
Everything Ohtani has done over the last 12 years has set him up for this game. From denying the Dodgers to sign with the Nippon-Ham Fighters out of high school to denying the Dodgers again to sign with the Angels when he moved to the major leagues, Ohtani’s path has been leading up to this moment. Now, if he can just win it and maybe homer once or twice, he will solidify his legacy.
The Dodgers’ Strategy
The Dodgers are planning to deploy Ohtani as a so-called opener not because they’re determined to build his legacy but because doing so represents their most likely route to victory. Ohtani will be pitching on three days’ rest, but pitching him in relief would present logistical problems. Under baseball’s current rules, if he pitches in relief and is removed from the game as a pitcher, he would also have to be removed as the designated hitter.
Ohtani’s Pitching Plan
Considering Ohtani pitched on Tuesday in Game 4 and considering he’s never pitched on three days’ rest for the Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts downplayed what should be expected of him. “With Shohei, it could be two innings,” Roberts said. “But it could be four innings.” What about five? In that scenario, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell could probably combine to pitch the final four innings by themselves.
The Incentive for Ohtani to Pitch More Innings
The incentive for Ohtani to pitch more innings was greater after Friday night when Sasaki failed to complete the ninth inning and forced Glasnow into the game. The three-pitch appearance, and the warm-up that preceded it, probably ruled out Glasnow from pitching, say, four innings. Sasaki said he would be ready for Game 7. “I think it will be a total war tomorrow, so I’ll do my best to hold the opposition in the spots entrusted to me,” Sasaki said in Japanese.
Availability of Pitchers
Roberts said only one pitcher would be unavailable: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched six innings in Game 6. Then again, Walker Buehler wasn’t part of the Dodgers’ plans for their World Series clincher last year. Buehler registered the final three outs. Yamamoto also wasn’t part of the team’s plans for their 18-inning victory in Game 3. Yamamoto was only two days removed from pitching a complete game, but he nonetheless volunteered to warm up.
The Pressure of Game 7
Ohtani will play, and he will have the most to gain. The universe has conspired to make him a hero again, just as it did in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Ohtani closed for Japan in the championship game, which was against the United States. The final batter was Mike Trout, whom he struck out. The at-bat stands as the signature moment of Ohtani’s career. That could change on Saturday night.
Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani prepares before Game 6 of the World Series at Rogers Centre on Friday night.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the stakes are high for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series. Ohtani’s performance will determine not only the outcome of the game but also his legacy as a baseball player. The Dodgers’ strategy to deploy Ohtani as a starter is their most likely route to victory, and Ohtani’s ability to pitch more innings will be crucial in the game.
FAQs
Q: Who will be the starting pitcher and designated hitter for the Dodgers in Game 7?
A: Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher and designated hitter for the Dodgers in Game 7.
Q: What is at stake for Ohtani in Game 7?
A: Ohtani’s performance in Game 7 will determine not only the outcome of the game but also his legacy as a baseball player.
Q: Why are the Dodgers deploying Ohtani as a starter in Game 7?
A: The Dodgers are deploying Ohtani as a starter because it represents their most likely route to victory, given the logistical problems of pitching him in relief.
Q: Which pitcher will be unavailable for the Dodgers in Game 7?
A: Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be unavailable for the Dodgers in Game 7, having pitched six innings in Game 6.
