Shohei Ohtani Leads the Wild Card Series, Throws 33 Pitches on Off Day; Dodgers Manager Keeps Plans Under Wraps

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar of the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, was given a scheduled rest today, sparking speculation about his postseason usage. Although Ohtani remained on the bench throughout the game, he threw 33 pitches in the bullpen at the Seattle Mariners’ stadium before the game, significantly increasing the chances he will start in the Wild Card Series opener.

The National League Wild Card Series begins on the 28th (U.S. time), with the Dodgers possibly facing the Cincinnati Reds or New York Mets. When asked by U.S. media if Ohtani would start the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts responded cryptically, calling it “a secret.”

Following Ohtani’s usual rotation routine, he typically throws in the bullpen two days before his scheduled start. Since the game was in the afternoon, Ohtani chose to throw before the game and rest throughout, preserving his energy for a potential starting day. This strategy greatly raises the likelihood of him pitching in the Wild Card Series opener.

In his last regular-season start, Ohtani pitched a full six innings for the first time, and in September, he recorded three consecutive scoreless starts. Since late August, he has thrown 16.2 innings without allowing a run. This season, across 14 starts, he boasts a first-inning ERA of just 1.93, with 17 strikeouts and only 2 walks, demonstrating excellent consistency.

U.S. media analysis suggests that if Ohtani starts the opener, the Dodgers might send ace left-hander Blake Snell to the mound in Game 2, aiming for two straight wins to clinch the series. Should the series extend to a decisive Game 3, the Dodgers would likely turn to Yoshinobu Yamamoto.