Dodgers bullpen threw 29 pitches at home; Shohei Ohtani: Unable to perform at my best means I can't suppress the opponents

The 2025 MLB World Series Game 3 shifted to the Dodgers' ballpark for a three-game series. Dodgers' two-way player Shohei Ohtani, slated to start Game 4, briefly threw 29 pitches in the bullpen today (27th), using live data to assess his status.

Pitcher Ohtani secured wins in both of his playoff starts this year, posting a 2.25 ERA, with 19 strikeouts and 4 walks across 12 innings. Today, Ohtani threw 29 bullpen pitches without any arm swing or preparatory motion. Besides fastball variations such as four-seam, two-seam, cutter, and sinker, he also practiced breaking balls like curveballs, splitters, and sliders. Every pitch Ohtani threw was verified by sideline staff with data confirmation.

In a subsequent press conference, Shohei Ohtani praised Yu Yamamoto’s complete game performance, saying, "I feel proud of him." Regarding his scheduled start in Game 4, Ohtani stated: "When facing a strong lineup, if I can’t perform at my best, I won’t be able to keep the opponents in check. I will prepare well and focus on my physical condition!"

As a batter, Shohei has recorded hits in each of his last five games. In this year's 12 playoff games, Ohtani has a batting average of .224, hitting 6 home runs, driving in 11 runs, and stealing one base successfully. During the World Series against the Blue Jays, he went 2-for-8, including a two-run homer.

According to records, only 13 pitchers in World Series history have hit home runs, and since the start of this century, only Joe Blanton in 2008 has achieved this feat.