In a World Series matchup overflowing with tantalizing storylines, one captivating possibility has been decisively ruled out. Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ transcendent two-way superstar, will not be taking the mound against the New York Yankees. This definitive statement comes straight from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who unequivocally shut down any lingering speculation about Ohtani’s potential pitching appearance.
“There is no possibility, none whatsoever,” Roberts declared when asked about the chances of Ohtani pitching in the Fall Classic. “Thank you for asking.” The manager’s succinct response leaves no room for interpretation—the baseball world will have to content itself with witnessing Ohtani’s exploits solely from the batter’s box and basepaths in this series.
Ohtani’s Road to Recovery
The 29-year-old sensation hasn’t pitched in a competitive game since undergoing major elbow surgery in September 2023, back when he was still a member of the Los Angeles Angels. After joining the Dodgers, Ohtani focused exclusively on his hitting and baserunning, putting together a season so extraordinary that he’s now the overwhelming favorite to capture the National League MVP award.
Ohtani’s astonishing campaign saw him become the first player in MLB history to record a 50/50 season—50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. All the while, he diligently rehabbed his elbow, gradually working his way back to throwing off a mound by late August. As the Dodgers steamrolled their way through the National League playoffs, whispers began to circulate about the possibility of Ohtani making a dramatic return to the mound on the game’s grandest stage.
A Dream Deferred
Those whispers grew louder when Roberts himself cracked the door open ever so slightly last month, acknowledging that Ohtani pitching in the postseason was at least a theoretical possibility. However, the Dodgers quickly pumped the brakes on that notion, and Roberts’ latest comments have now slammed that door shut with authority.
For his part, Ohtani doesn’t seem fazed by the decision. “I’ve never said to them that I wanted to pitch in the postseason,” he remarked through his interpreter. The soft-spoken slugger seems content to let his bat do the talking against the Yankees’ vaunted pitching staff.
Reinforcements on the Way?
While Ohtani won’t be toeing the rubber, the Dodgers’ pitching staff could still receive a couple of notable reinforcements. Left-handed reliever Alex Vesia, a key bullpen cog who missed the NLCS with an intercostal injury, told reporters he’s “90% sure” he’ll be on the World Series roster after throwing a successful bullpen session.
Hard-throwing right-hander Brusdar Graterol, who appeared in just seven regular season games due to shoulder and hamstring injuries, is also “trending in the right direction” according to Roberts. The manager praised Graterol’s postseason track record and expressed optimism about his availability, though he stopped short of guaranteeing the reliever a spot on the roster.
A Fascinating Matchup Awaits
Even without Ohtani on the mound, this World Series promises to be a riveting affair. The star-studded Dodgers, seeking their second championship in three years, will have to contend with a Yankees lineup anchored by MVP candidate Aaron Judge. The Bronx Bombers, meanwhile, are aiming to end a title drought that dates back to 2009.
The baseball world may have been denied the singular spectacle of Ohtani doing battle with Judge and company as both a hitter and pitcher, but the matchup between these iconic franchises should still provide more than enough drama and star power to satisfy even the most discerning fan. The stage is set for an October classic—one in which Shohei Ohtani’s impact, while confined to the offensive side of the ball, could still prove decisive.
There are great players in this world. And then there’s Shohei Ohtani, occupying an orbit all his own. Transcendent, awe-inspiring, revolutionary—there simply aren’t enough superlatives to encapsulate what he’s accomplishing.
– Renowned Major League Baseball analyst
