When Will Shohei Ohtani Next Start for Dodgers in NLCS?

The Los Angeles Dodgers are about to get a huge boost to their pitching rotation. Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is getting closer to reclaiming his spot as a starting pitcher.

Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will return to the mound soon, but in a careful, planned way. The Dodgers have been cautious, and it looks like that patience is finally paying off.

This timing couldn’t be more important. The Dodgers’ postseason hopes are on the line, and injuries have really tested the depth of their rotation.

Ohtani’s Return: A Deliberate Game Plan

Ohtani’s had a season with limited innings because of earlier arm issues. The Dodgers are now managing his comeback with extra care.

Next up, Ohtani will throw three innings before Dustin May takes over as a long reliever. This “piggyback” move isn’t just about protecting Ohtani’s health—it keeps the team’s options open when every game feels critical.

Gradual Increase in Workload

Roberts wants to stretch Ohtani to four innings in his next outings. Gradually ramping up his workload lowers the risk of injury and gives Ohtani time to fine-tune his mechanics.

It’s a slow build, but that might be exactly what the Dodgers need if they want Ohtani at full strength for the postseason.

Statistical Impact and On-Field Brilliance

Even with just five appearances and nine innings this year, Ohtani’s been outstanding. His ERA is impressively low, and his fastball keeps hitting 100 mph—pretty wild, honestly.

In his last outing, he gave up just one hit and struck out four over three innings. Dodgers fans got a taste of what might be coming.

The Energy Factor

Ohtani’s presence has electrified Dodger Stadium. The buzz around his starts lifts team morale, and you can feel it in the stands.

The Dodgers are gunning for the National League Championship Series, and that energy could matter just as much as his pitching.

Rotation Challenges and Strategic Adjustments

The Dodgers have faced big setbacks in their rotation this year. Injuries to guys like Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell have forced Roberts to get creative.

One workaround has been the piggyback system, where pitchers like Ohtani take shorter starts, and relievers handle the middle innings. It’s not the usual approach, but it’s kept things afloat.

Why The Twins Matchup Matters

Ohtani’s upcoming start against the Minnesota Twins is a big test for his endurance. Fans and management alike will be watching closely to see if he’s ready for a bigger role in October.

The Twins matchup should be competitive but not overwhelming—just what Ohtani needs as he ramps up.

Potential Postseason Role

If Ohtani keeps building strength and avoids setbacks, his impact in the postseason could be massive. The Dodgers want another World Series run, and adding Ohtani as a high-octane arm could change everything.

Few pitchers combine his velocity, command, and presence on the mound. In playoff baseball, those things can make all the difference.

Key Points to Watch

• The gradual inning increase plan—from three innings to four—will shape his readiness timeline.
• Dustin May’s role as a long reliever helps manage Ohtani’s workload.
• Ohtani’s fastball velocity and strikeout efficiency still look elite, even with limited innings.
• The Twins game stands out as a checkpoint before postseason decisions happen.
• Team morale jumps whenever Ohtani starts, giving them an extra edge you can’t quite measure.

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