Introduction to Shohei Ohtani’s Postseason Debut
Shohei Ohtani will make his postseason pitching debut when he starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
The Dodgers open the best-of-five series on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Team Overview and Strategy
“Very talented ballclub. It’s going to be a fun environment,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think we match up really well with those guys. They’re going to run a bunch of left-handers at us. Talented, all throughout the lineup.”
Roberts confirmed Ohtani as the starter after the Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-4 to complete a sweep in the NL Wild Card Series on Wednesday night. The Dodgers had planned to start Ohtani if the Wild Card had gone to a deciding third game.
Ohtani’s Background and Achievements
Ohtani (1-1, 2.87 ERA) didn’t pitch for the Dodgers last season while recovering from a second elbow surgery that he had in September 2023. He became the first player in major league history with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases as the Dodgers won the World Series over the New York Yankees.
The two-way superstar never made the playoffs during six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
Recent Performance
At the plate, Ohtani revived himself in September, hitting .312 with 10 home runs and a 1.165 OPS. He finished the regular season with a career-high 55 homers, one more than last season.
Against the Reds in Game 1, he hit two homers. He was 1 for 4 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI in the closeout win Wednesday.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s postseason pitching debut is highly anticipated, and his recent performance suggests he is ready for the challenge. With his impressive stats and achievements, Ohtani is expected to make a significant impact in the National League Division Series.
FAQs
Q: When will Shohei Ohtani make his postseason pitching debut?
A: Shohei Ohtani will make his postseason pitching debut in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
Q: Who will Ohtani be pitching against?
A: Ohtani will be pitching against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Q: What are Ohtani’s stats for the regular season?
A: Ohtani finished the regular season with a career-high 55 homers and a 1.165 OPS in September.
Q: Has Ohtani made the playoffs before?
A: No, Ohtani never made the playoffs during his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
