Shohei Ohtani to Start World Series Game 7 for Dodgers

In a blockbuster pitching decision, the Los Angeles Dodgers are putting their faith in superstar two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani for one of the most high-pressure moments in baseball history—Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will not only take the mound against Toronto Blue Jays ace Max Scherzer at Rogers Centre, but also bat leadoff. That really shows just how much he means to this team, in every part of the game.

This move sets up an epic winner-take-all showdown between two of the sport’s most decorated arms. Championship glory is on the line, and you can feel the weight of it.

Ohtani’s Historic Game 7 Assignment

This isn’t just another start for Ohtani. The Japanese star, known for dominating as both a pitcher and hitter, is working on just three days’ rest.

It’s only the second time in his career he’s done this. The first was in April 2023, when he struck out 11 over seven scoreless frames after a rain-shortened outing. That’s not something you see every day.

Managing Short-Rest Risks

Roberts said the team will watch Ohtani’s workload closely. After Game 4, where he gave up four runs over six-plus innings, the Dodgers plan to limit him to two or three innings if they need to.

They want to get the most out of his arm without pushing him too far. It’s a delicate balance, honestly.

A Strategic Lineup Choice

Starting Ohtani instead of using him in relief isn’t just about star power. There’s some smart roster management at play here.

Thanks to Major League Baseball’s two-way player rule, Ohtani can serve as the designated hitter when he starts on the mound. That means the Dodgers keep a strong bat in the lineup, even after he’s done pitching.

Setting the Offensive Tone

Batting leadoff, Ohtani gets a shot to spark the Dodgers’ offense right from the jump. He’s known for coming through in big moments.

His presence at the top of the order forces the Blue Jays to face one of MLB’s most dangerous bats immediately. That could swing momentum toward Los Angeles, or at least make Toronto sweat a little.

Relief Arms Ready for Action

Ohtani might grab the headlines, but the Dodgers’ whole pitching staff is geared up for a group effort. Every arm is available for this do-or-die game. There’s nothing left to save it for.

Right after Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow will step in for bulk relief. Glasnow is fresh, having thrown just three pitches to secure the save in Game 6.

Rotation Depth as a Game-Changer

Beyond Glasnow, Roberts has a bullpen loaded with options:

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Game 6 starter, still ready if called upon.
• Blake Snell – He’s struggled lately, but his championship experience might matter when it counts.
• Roki Sasaki – The electric young closer, set for the game’s biggest moments.

The Scherzer Factor

On the other side, veteran Max Scherzer brings his fierce competitive spirit and playoff pedigree to the mound. The Blue Jays trust him to be their stabilizing force, the guy who can shut down big lineups when the pressure’s highest.

His battle with Ohtani is a matchup fans dream about. It’s a generational duel, honestly—two future Hall of Famers facing off with everything on the line.

Momentum, Strategy, and the Mental Game

In a one-game scenario, the mental side of things can be just as important as the physical. Roberts’ trust in Ohtani, plus the Dodgers’ all-hands-on-deck pitching plan, sends a message: they’re ready to adapt, however this game unfolds.

What’s at Stake

This Game 7 is so much more than a shot at a championship. It feels like a defining chapter in the careers of stars on both sides.

If Ohtani pulls this off, he’s got a real shot at cementing his status as the most versatile player of our era. Scherzer, meanwhile, gets one more crack at adding to a legacy that’s already overflowing with triumphs.

For the Dodgers and Blue Jays, it’s months of grinding, all for this one prize. Everything comes down to tonight.

Fans can expect intensity from the very first pitch. With Ohtani setting the tone and the Dodgers’ pitching staff rested and ready, there’s a real edge in the air.

On the other side, Scherzer stands in the way. The 2025 World Series finale looks like it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable clash. Baseball history is on the line.

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Here is the source article for this story: Ohtani to start winner-take-all Game 7 for defending champion Dodgers