The Dodgers will sent two-way superstar and three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani to the mound Saturday when LA opens its playoff series against the Phillies.
Ohtani’s start in Game 1 on the road will be his first ever in the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts made the announcement after Los Angeles (93-69) defeated the Reds in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium to advance to the best-of-five National League Division Series.
Ohtani (1-1, 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 62 strikeouts) did not pitch for the Dodgers at all last season, his first with the team since he was acquired from the Angels, due to elbow surgery. The Angels never made the postseason during Ohtani’s six seasons in Anaheim.
He’s in line to accomplish another MLB first in the series. Ohtani can become the first player in Major League history to start at least one game as a pitcher and at least one as a non-pitcher in a single postseason.
Ohtani was the likely starteR had Cincinnati forced a decisive Game 3 in the wild card round. He returned to pitching duty in June and gradually built up his workload over 14 starts, going 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA. He struck out 62 and only walked nine batters.
He is the only Major League player with 50 home runs and 50 strikeouts as a pitcher in one season.
Ohtani threw five hitless innings against the Phillies on Sept. 16 at Dodger Stadium.
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 212 strikeouts) is the Phillies’ (96-66) probable starter.
The matchup Saturday will be the seventh between the two teams this season. The Phillies hold a 4-2 advantage in the season series.
“Very talented ballclub. It’s going to be a fun environment,” Roberts said. “I think we match up really well with those guys. They’re going to run a bunch of left-handers at us. Talented, all throughout the lineup.”
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