The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to start superstar Shohei Ohtani on the mound in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, adhering to a unique MLB rule designed specifically with Ohtani in mind.
Major League Baseball created Rule 5.11(b) to address situations involving pitchers who are also strong hitters, which has put the Dodgers in a peculiar position ahead of Saturday’s winner-take-all matchup airing exclusively on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.
According to the rule, if a starting pitcher is listed in the batting lineup, he can continue hitting even after being taken off the mound. This allows Ohtani to stay in the game as a batter regardless of when he exits as a pitcher.
However, the Dodgers faced a strategic dilemma. If Ohtani were to start the game as the designated hitter (DH) and later enter as a relief pitcher, the team would risk losing his powerful bat in the lineup once he leaves the mound. The only way for Ohtani to remain in the game after pitching in relief would be to take a defensive position on the field — something he has rarely done in his career.
The three-time MVP has played the field just 8 1/3 innings throughout his career and hasn’t done so since 2021, making the option of playing defense less feasible.
Given these factors, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to start Ohtani on the mound. This ensures the team can keep Ohtani’s bat in the lineup regardless of how long he pitches, optimizing their chances in the pivotal Game 7.
It remains unclear how deep Ohtani will pitch in the game, especially since he is pitching on just three days’ rest.
Stay tuned for this exciting World Series showdown as the Dodgers lean on their two-way superstar to deliver on the biggest stage.
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