Introduction to Shohei Ohtani’s Postseason Pitching Debut

Shohei Ohtani is more the Sultan of Squat than a modern day Babe Ruth when the Los Angeles Dodgers star plays in Philadelphia. He’s yet to hit any of his 250 homers in Philly. He’s batting .250 lifetime in Citizens Bank Park with just two extra-base hits and four RBIs over 12 games and 44 at-bats. He struck out 16 times.

Background on Ohtani’s Career

So if the bat is cold, why not pitch? Ohtani finally makes his postseason pitching debut when he takes the mound Saturday for the Dodgers in the NL Division Series opener against the Phillies. The best-of-five series between two franchises who have each played in a World Series over the last three seasons — yet somehow haven’t met in the playoffs since 2009 — is loaded with star power. Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts. Yet no player looms as large in the series as Ohtani.

Ohtani’s Pitching Performance

The two-way global sensation didn’t pitch for the Dodgers last season while recovering from a second elbow surgery, in September 2023. He still became the first player with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases as the Dodgers won the World Series over the New York Yankees. Back on the bump this season, Ohtani struck out 62 batters over 47 innings with a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts. He has three straight scoreless starts for the Dodgers and is coming off his best outing of the season against Arizona. The right-hander’s fastball was consistently in the 98-100 mph range, hitting 101.2 on one delivery, over a season-high six innings. He struck out eight.

Ohtani’s Preparation for the Postseason

The 31-year-old Ohtani has slowly built up his pitch count as he returned from surgery. He threw a season-high 91 pitches against Arizona in his 100th Major League Baseball mound start. “I’m sure I’ll be nervous at times,” Ohtani said Friday through a translator. “But more than that, I’m just really grateful that I get to play baseball at this time of the year. And just being healthy is really important to me, so I’m just grateful for that.”

Previous Matchup Against the Phillies

Ohtani pitched five hitless innings against the Phillies last month before the bullpen imploded in a 9-6 Philadelphia win. Ohtani struck out five and walked one. He threw 42 of 68 pitches for strikes and retired his final 13 batters. Phillies reliever Walker Buehler — who got the final out for the Dodgers to win the World Series last year — admired what he saw out of Ohtani during their time as teammates and noted “the answer is very simple” as to what made the slugger so good. Just look at the numbers.

Can Sánchez Hold His Own Against Ohtani in Game 1?

Cristopher Sánchez may not have the name recognition of Ohtani but the Phillies right-hander is in the conversation for NL Cy Young Award after career highs in wins, innings and strikeouts. Sánchez (13-5, 2.50 ERA, 212 strikeouts in 202 innings pitched) gets the Game 1 nod for the Phillies in large part because ace Zack Wheeler is sidelined following complications from a blood clot. But Sánchez is up to the tall task — and the 6-foot-6 right-hander is on a hot streak.

Sánchez’s Performance at Citizens Bank Park

He allowed just seven runs over his last six starts and struck out six over seven innings and took a no-decision in a Sept. 16 start in Los Angeles. The Phillies seemingly have the baseball version of a bargain after they signed Sánchez in the middle of last season to a $22.5 million, four-year contract through 2028. The 28-year-old Sánchez is in line to get the critical Game 1 — and possibly Game 4 — starts. Sánchez went 6-0 with a 1.94 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 15 starts this season at Citizens Bank Park.

The Dodgers and Phillies Have Big Payrolls

There is a bit of a mutual admiration and connection between the two franchises in large part because of their hefty payrolls. The Dodgers boast the most expensive roster with in-season moves that boosted their payroll to $341.5 million plus nearly $168 million in tax for a total spend of $509 million, according to Major League Baseball’s latest tabulation. Philadelphia has the fourth-highest spend at $347.7 million with a $291.7 million payroll and $55.9 million in forecast tax.

Mutual Admiration Between the Teams

Harper said in April he was a fan of the Dodgers’ free-spending ways to build a winner. “I feel like only losers complain about what they’re doing. I think they’re a great team and a great organization,” Harper said. Realmuto, eligible for free agency at the end of the postseason, also threw his support Friday behind the Dodgers spending. “They’re the epitome of what Major League should be; they go out every year and try to win, their ownership is awesome, their front office is great. It’s an organization that the other teams look up to,” he said.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the matchup between the Dodgers and the Phillies is highly anticipated, with both teams having big payrolls and a strong desire to win. Ohtani’s postseason pitching debut is a significant factor in this series, and his performance will be closely watched. The series is expected to be a thrilling one, with both teams having talented players and a strong will to win.

FAQs

• Q: Who is Shohei Ohtani?
  A: Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese professional baseball player who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a pitcher and designated hitter.
• Q: What is Ohtani’s postseason pitching debut?
  A: Ohtani’s postseason pitching debut is his first pitching appearance in the postseason, which will take place on Saturday for the Dodgers in the NL Division Series opener against the Phillies.
• Q: Who is Cristopher Sánchez?
  A: Cristopher Sánchez is a Phillies right-hander who is in the conversation for NL Cy Young Award after career highs in wins, innings, and strikeouts.
• Q: What is the significance of the Dodgers and Phillies matchup?
  A: The matchup between the Dodgers and the Phillies is significant because both teams have big payrolls and a strong desire to win, making it a highly anticipated series.
• Q: What is the forecast for the series?
  A: The Dodgers are the favorite to win the series, with a -120 odds, while the Phillies are the underdog.