Shohei Ohtani Set for Unrestricted NLDS Game 1 Start Against Phillies

Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is slated to start Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday night, marking his MLB postseason pitching debut. Crucially, he will pitch without the workload restrictions that limited him earlier in the season and led to his removal from a no-hit bid against the Phillies on September 16. That September 16 start, where he spun five no-hit innings over 68 pitches using his full arsenal (fastball up to 101.7 mph, slider with 50% whiff rate), was the first time he truly looked like a starting pitcher again after his second Tommy John surgery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will be treated "like a regular pitcher," potentially going six or seven innings, a moment the team has "been waiting for all year." President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman added that the club plans to use Ohtani like "a normal starting pitcher now," free from pre-determined restrictions or health considerations, a progression Ohtani himself is "grateful for." Ohtani expressed nervousness but also gratitude for playing baseball at this time of year.