How Shohei Ohtani Could Pitch in World Series Game 7

The World Series is at a fever pitch. Right now, everyone’s watching Shohei Ohtani as the Los Angeles Dodgers try to figure out the best way to use their two-way superstar.

After he started Game 4 at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani told Japanese reporters he’s planning to get ready for another pitching appearance this weekend in Toronto. The series is tied 2–2 heading into Game 5, and honestly, deciding how and when to use Ohtani could swing the whole thing—not just for the Dodgers’ title dreams, but for Ohtani’s future after his recent elbow surgery.

Ohtani’s Potential Game 7 Start

If Ohtani pitches again in this series, Game 7 seems like the obvious choice. That fits perfectly with Major League Baseball’s “Ohtani Rule” for two-way players.

The rule lets a player keep hitting as the designated hitter only if he starts the game as a pitcher. It’s a little quirky, but it matters here.

Understanding the “Ohtani Rule”

If a two-way player comes in as a reliever, the team loses the DH spot as soon as he’s done pitching. So, if the Dodgers use Ohtani in relief during Game 6 or 7, they’d have to let the pitcher bat or juggle the lineup on the fly.

Strategic Options for the Dodgers

Manager Dave Roberts has a tough call. He could go traditional and use Ohtani as a starter, or maybe try him as a high-leverage closer.

That closer role worked out in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, when Ohtani struck out Mike Trout to clinch gold for Japan. But, is it worth the risk now?

Health Considerations for Ohtani

That WBC moment happened before Ohtani’s second elbow surgery in 2023. The Dodgers have been careful with his workload, knowing that pushing him too hard in the World Series could have long-term effects.

Roberts keeps saying they’ll look closely at Ohtani’s readiness before deciding on a short-rest start or relief outing. It’s a delicate balance, and nobody wants to mess this up.

The Role of Tyler Glasnow

If Ohtani does start on short rest, the Dodgers might turn to Tyler Glasnow—who just pitched Game 3—to take over after Ohtani’s outing. This tag-team approach could help both guys stay fresh and give the Dodgers some options against Toronto’s tough lineup.

Why Glasnow’s Role Matters

Glasnow can handle several innings, which would give the Dodgers some breathing room if Ohtani’s start is short—either because of pitch count or strategy. That kind of flexibility might be huge in a nerve-wracking Game 7.

Series Context Heading into Toronto

The World Series is tied 2–2, and Game 5 at Dodger Stadium is massive. No matter what happens, the teams are heading to Toronto for at least one game this weekend.

It’ll be a tough road environment, and honestly, pitching stability could end up deciding everything.

Key Takeaways for Dodgers Fans

• Ohtani’s ramping up to pitch again this weekend, and if there’s a Game 7, he’s probably getting the ball.
• The “Ohtani Rule” actually pushes the Dodgers to use him as a starter, not just a reliever.
• Manager Dave Roberts has to consider Ohtani’s health, especially after that elbow surgery in 2023.
• If Ohtani’s on short rest, Tyler Glasnow might handle a big chunk of innings.
• No matter what happens Wednesday, the series heads to Toronto after that.

The Dodgers are staring down a critical stretch. They’re chasing a title, but they can’t ignore the risks with their stars—especially Ohtani.

Ohtani’s skill set is just wild. The rule named after him gives the Dodgers options most teams can only dream about.

If he’s starting, closing, or even sharing the load with Glasnow, every pitch from Ohtani could swing the World Series. That’s not an exaggeration.

Dodgers fans, buckle up. If this thing goes to Game 7, Ohtani might deliver one of those moments we’ll remember for decades. Honestly, who knows what he’ll pull off next?

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Here is the source article for this story: Shohei Ohtani could pitch again in this World Series. What role would make sense?