The Los Angeles Dodgers have set up a National League Division Series matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies after winning consecutive games against the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Wild Card series.
Shohei Ohtani, a three-time MVP, is expected to start the NLDS opener, marking his first postseason start on the mound. Ohtani previously had a limited role in the postseason as a designated hitter due to his recovery from elbow surgery.
Before his highly anticipated start, Ohtani shared his thoughts on the upcoming game, acknowledging the passionate fans and atmosphere in Philadelphia. He also humorously mentioned the Phillies’ cheesesteaks served in the clubhouse.
Despite having played in the postseason before, Ohtani admitted to feeling nervous about his first start. However, he expressed gratitude for being healthy and having the opportunity to play in October. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts plans to treat Ohtani like a regular pitcher, potentially allowing him to pitch into the seventh inning.
Ohtani’s performance this season has been impressive, with 55 home runs in the regular season, surpassing his previous personal best. His ability to excel in both pitching and hitting has made him a key player for the Dodgers. As the NLDS begins, Ohtani’s start is highly anticipated, and his performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.
The matchup between the Dodgers and the Phillies promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to advance to the next round of the playoffs. The series will be closely watched by baseball fans worldwide, and Ohtani’s performance will be a major factor in the outcome.
With the NLDS underway, the Dodgers and Phillies will look to gain an early advantage in the series. Ohtani’s start on Saturday will be a key moment in the series, and his ability to perform under pressure will be closely watched. As the series progresses, both teams will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs, and the matchup between the Dodgers and Phillies will be an important step in that journey.
