What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that Shohei Ohtani will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies. This marks a historic moment as Ohtani becomes the first player in Major League Baseball history to start a postseason game as both a pitcher and a non-pitcher in the same playoff run. Ohtani, who has been recovering from Tommy John surgery, has shown impressive performance with a 2.87 ERA over 14 starts this season. The decision to start Ohtani comes after the Dodgers eliminated the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round.
Why It's Important?
Shohei Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities provide the Dodgers with a unique advantage in the postseason. His ability to perform both as a pitcher and a hitter is unprecedented, making him a valuable asset in high-stakes games. The Dodgers' decision to start Ohtani in Game 1 reflects their confidence in his abilities and their strategic approach to gaining an edge over the Phillies. This move could potentially shift the dynamics of the series, especially if Ohtani performs well, as it would set a strong tone for the Dodgers' postseason campaign.
What's Next?
The Dodgers are set to face the Phillies in Game 1 of the NLDS, with Ohtani leading the charge. The outcome of this game could significantly impact the series, as a win would give the Dodgers home-field advantage. The team plans to utilize their strong rotation, including Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell, in subsequent games. The Dodgers' strategy of starting Ohtani first aims to maximize their pitching strength and maintain momentum throughout the series.
