In a thrilling turn of events, Shohei Ohtani is set to start Game 7 of the World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Toronto Blue Jays. This matchup not only highlights Ohtani’s exceptional versatility as a two-way star, but also places him in the spotlight in the biggest game of the season, underscoring the unique attributes that have made him a sensation across Major League Baseball.
Opting for Ohtani as the starting pitcher is indeed a strategic move for the Dodgers. With the designated hitter rule now applied to both leagues, a paradigm shift has occurred in how teams manage their players. Under this rule—adopted for the 2022 season—players who start as pitchers can remain in the game as designated hitters after they’ve left the mound. This allows Ohtani to contribute offensively even after his pitching duties, optimizing the Dodgers’ lineup and strategy. If he were to start solely as a DH and then transition to pitching, the team would forfeit their DH slot, forcing pitchers into batting roles and potentially diminishing their offensive capabilities.
Interestingly, Ohtani has never pitched in relief during his professional career in MLB. His only brief appearances as a reliever came during his early days with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. In a memorable moment earlier this year, he closed out Japan’s victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final against the United States, striking out former Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out—showing that when the pressure is on, Ohtani is more than up for the challenge.
As of now, Ohtani is making waves in the World Series, boasting a .318 batting average paired with three home runs, five RBIs, and eight walks over his postseason play. However, his performance on the mound has seen some ups and downs; he holds an 0-1 record with a 6.00 ERA, having struck out six while allowing one walk in his Game 4 start where he threw 93 pitches. Balancing these stats adds another layer to the narrative of his two-way prowess, sparking curiosity regarding how he will perform in this decisive game.
On the mound for the Blue Jays is Max Scherzer, an intriguing counter to Ohtani’s capabilities. Scherzer is making history by becoming only the fourth pitcher to start multiple winner-take-all Game 7s, placing him in the company of legends like Bob Gibson, Lew Burdette, and Don Larsen. Having also started the last World Series Game 7 in 2019, Scherzer is familiar with the high stakes, albeit with a challenging past performance where he struggled after receiving a cortisone injection for an irritated nerve near his neck.
This year, the veteran right-hander has had a mixed bag of results, allowing three runs and five hits over 4 1/3 innings in his Game 3 outing, despite the Dodgers ultimately securing a win in an unbelievable 18-inning marathon. As a three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer knows what it takes to steer his team through turbulent waters, and his experience may prove invaluable as he faces off against the enigmatic talent of Ohtani.
The dynamic matchup between Ohtani and Scherzer is set against the backdrop of one of baseball’s biggest stages, elevating stakes for both players and their teams as they vie for World Series glory. This collision of two baseball giants encapsulates the essence of what makes the sport so exhilarating, as it promises to deliver unforgettable moments and a showcase of extraordinary talent.