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2h ago

Dodgers Set Ohtani as Postseason Starter After 6 Scoreless in Final Tune-Up

The Dodgers plan to keep him on five or six days between starts during his return from elbow surgery.

Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. Ohtani struck out eight in six scoreless innings, but the Dodgers lost, 5-4. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Sep 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Shohei Ohtani capped the regular season with six scoreless innings, eight strikeouts and a 101.2 mph fastball in his 100th career start, marking his third straight scoreless outing.
  • Dodgers president Andrew Friedman said Ohtani will be used as a starting pitcher in the playoffs, with Game 1 of the Wild Card Series viewed as the likely assignment.
  • Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will bat leadoff throughout the postseason and make pitching starts on five or six days' rest.
  • Los Angeles extended Ohtani to a season-high 91 pitches after tightly managing his innings, including pulling him at 68 pitches during a five-inning no-hit bid in his prior start.
  • Team officials considered relief and outfield scenarios during planning but chose a rotation role to maximize his two-way impact without forcing unconventional defensive duties.