'Dodgers eliminate possibility of Shohei Ohtani pitching in World Series'
Multi-talented player Shohei Ohtani will continue to excel in one aspect during the World Series.
Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dave Roberts, previously mentioned the possibility of Ohtani pitching if the team made it to the Fall Classic, but has now ruled out that option on Thursday.
Ohtani has not pitched in a game since undergoing surgery on his right elbow in September 2023.
On the eve of Game 1 of the World Series between the Dodgers and the visiting New York Yankees, Roberts was asked about the potential of Ohtani taking the mound.
\"There is absolutely no chance,\" the manager stated. \"Thank you for asking.\"
Ohtani was not bothered by the decision.
\"I have never expressed to them that I wanted to pitch in the postseason,\" he said through an interpreter.
In his final season with the Los Angeles Angels last year, Ohtani had impressive pitching statistics: 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings over 23 starts. He also led the American League in hitting with 44 home runs, a .412 on-base percentage, and a .654 slugging percentage, earning his second AL Most Valuable Player award.
After joining the Dodgers as a free agent following his elbow surgery, Ohtani focused solely on offense this year, with historic results.
The 30-year-old native of Japan became the first player in major league history to achieve 50 or more home runs and 50 or more stolen bases in a single season, finishing with 54 and 59, respectively. Ohtani led the National League in home runs, RBIs (130), runs (134), on-base percentage (.390), and slugging percentage (.646).
In 11 postseason games this month, Ohtani has a batting average of .286 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, a .434 on-base percentage, and a .500 slugging percentage.