Shohei Ohtani Set for Postseason Pitching Debut with Dodgers in NLDS Game 1

Shohei Ohtani is slated to make his highly anticipated postseason pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodgers will open the best-of-five series on Saturday in Philadelphia. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani as the starter following the Dodgers' sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Wild Card Series. Ohtani, who did not pitch last season while recovering from elbow surgery in September 2023, is a two-way superstar. He previously became the first player in MLB history with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. Ohtani never reached the playoffs during his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. At the plate, he showed strong form in September, hitting .312 with 10 home runs and a 1.165 OPS, finishing the regular season with a career-high 55 homers. In Game 1 against the Reds, he hit two home runs and in the closeout win on Wednesday, he went 1 for 4 with a walk, a run scored, and an RBI.