Dodgers Start Shohei Ohtani on Short Rest in Game 7

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making headlines with a bold decision for Game 7: Shohei Ohtani will start on the mound. Joel Sherman of the New York Post broke the news, and honestly, it’s a gutsy move that could swing their whole season.

With designated hitter rules in play, the Dodgers are betting that Ohtani’s talent—even on short rest—gives them an edge against Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays. It’s risky, but it’s hard not to admire the ambition.

Why the Dodgers Are Turning to Ohtani

Starting Shohei Ohtani isn’t just about his ridiculous skill set. The Dodgers want to maximize their offense and still put an ace on the mound.

MLB rules say if Ohtani comes in as a reliever, they’d lose their designated hitter spot, which would weaken the lineup. By starting him, they keep their DH and don’t have to scramble with pinch-hitters later.

The Designated Hitter Advantage

This DH angle isn’t just a technicality. Ohtani’s rare two-way game lets the Dodgers play the rulebook to their favor.

Dave Roberts and his staff want control from the first pitch, not headaches with substitutions in the late innings. That’s a big reason for this call.

The Challenge of Short Rest

Ohtani dominated Game 3, but it took a toll. Reports say he needed IVs after that outing just to recover.

Now, with only three days off, the Dodgers know he might be more of an opener than a classic starter. That’s a tough ask, even for Ohtani.

The Risk and Reward

Pitching on short rest is always a gamble. Fatigue can mess with command and velocity, and nobody wants to talk about injury risk, but it’s there.

The Dodgers are hoping Ohtani can give them a few strong innings before they turn to the bullpen. Sometimes, those early frames decide everything in October baseball.

Game 7: A Future Hall of Fame Showdown

On the other side, Max Scherzer is starting for Toronto. He’s got a mountain of postseason experience and a reputation for intensity.

It’s going to be a showdown: two possible Hall of Famers, each with their own style and swagger. That’s the kind of matchup baseball fans crave.

High Drama Under the Spotlight

This is October baseball at its best—two stars, one game, all the pressure. It’s not just about who throws harder; it’s about who keeps their cool and steps up when it counts.

Dodgers’ Confidence in Ohtani

Handing Ohtani the ball for Game 7 sends a message. The Dodgers trust his preparation and the way he handles the spotlight.

Even if he doesn’t go deep, just having him out there could fire up the whole team. Sometimes, presence matters as much as performance.

What This Means for the Series

The outcome? It’ll probably come down to how sharp Ohtani is after just three days, how the bullpen holds up, and whether the Dodgers’ offense takes advantage of the DH.

Honestly, it’s not just a baseball decision—it’s a psychological one. The Dodgers want to set the tone from pitch one, and this move makes that pretty clear.

Final Thoughts

Game 7s don’t come around often. They’re rare, tense, and honestly, you can feel the electricity in the air.

The Dodgers’ gutsy move to start Ohtani? That’s a signal they’re not afraid to shake things up, betting big on both innovation and risk.

• Strategic rulebook mastery keeps the DH in play.
• Ohtani on short rest could dictate bullpen usage.
• Pitching duel between Ohtani and Scherzer elevates the stakes.
• High-risk, high-reward decision-making defines postseason strategy.

When the first pitch flies, all the talk fades away. October drama takes the wheel, and honestly, who knows what’ll happen next?

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