The Los Angeles will not use Shohei Ohtani as the starting pitcher for their upcoming NLCS Game 1 or Game 2 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
According to MLB Insider Bob Nightengale, the have not yet determined when Ohtani will pitch.
More news: announce starting pitcher for Game 1 of NLCS
Ohtani pitched 47 innings this season with a 2.87 ERA, and although he was away from the mound in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, he has gradually improved. The three-time MVP struck out 62 batters and walked just nine this time, earning him a 145+ ERA, nearly 50 percent higher than league average.
There’s currently no clear reason as to why Ohtani isn’t scheduled to start either game, but Game 1 starter Blake Snell took things to another level during the postseason, and Game 2 starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a dominant performance to close out the wild-card round (despite a memorable Game 4 of the NLDS).
Ohtani led the in the National League opener, winning Game 1 with nine strikeouts and only one walk in six innings, except for a three-run second inning.
Manager Dave Roberts recently talked about Ohtani’s performance in the batter’s box in a National League game, and it left a lot to be desired. When the advanced to the NLCS, Ohtani went just 1-for-18 with an RBI and an RBI.
“You can’t win a World Series with a performance like that,” Roberts said. “So we’re looking to readjust, get back to the strike zone and understand what they’re going to do when he faces a left-handed pitcher: stuff him (at the plate), take him out, rotate him and get him out. He’s got to get better at managing the hitting zone.
“I’m counting on it. We’re all counting on it.”
Before the decide where Ohtani will pitch in the NLCS, making sure his power bat meets his high standards should be first on the to-do list.
More news: ‘ Andrew Friedman says Shohei Ohtani is underrated
Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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