Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not be taking the mound to pitch in the World Series against the New York Yankees. This decision was confirmed by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who stated that there is no possibility of Ohtani pitching in the series.
Ohtani, who has been recovering from elbow surgery and was strictly a designated hitter for the Dodgers this season, had been rehabbing his elbow and started throwing off a mound in late August. While there was some speculation about him potentially pitching in the postseason, the idea was ultimately shut down by the team.
Despite the disappointment of some fans, Ohtani himself expressed no desire to pitch in the postseason, stating that he never communicated such a wish to the team. Dodgers’ president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman also emphasized that Ohtani will remain a one-way player for the time being before returning to his two-way status.
In light of Ohtani’s exclusion from the pitching lineup, the Dodgers are looking to strengthen their bullpen for the World Series. Left-handed reliever Alex Vesia, who missed the NLCS due to injury, is expected to be back on the roster after a successful bullpen session. Additionally, Brusdar Graterol, who has a strong track record in the postseason despite limited regular-season appearances, is also showing positive signs of recovery.
With the Dodgers relying on a bullpen game in the World Series, the addition of Vesia and potentially Graterol could provide valuable support to the team. Roberts expressed confidence in both players’ abilities and highlighted their past contributions to the team’s success in postseason games.
As the Dodgers gear up to face the Yankees in the World Series, the team’s pitching strategy and bullpen lineup will be crucial factors in determining the outcome of the games. While Ohtani won’t be showcasing his pitching skills in the series, the depth and talent of the Dodgers’ bullpen could prove to be a game-changer in their quest for a championship title.
