Ohtani’s Pitching Presence Looms Large as Dodgers Prepare for NLCS Clash with Brewers

Title: Shohei Ohtani Set to Bring Pitching Power to NLCS Clash with Brewers, Confirms Dodgers’ Dave Roberts

In a highly anticipated move, Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will take the mound at some point during the upcoming NLCS series against the Milwaukee Brewers. While Ohtani won’t be starting in Game 1 or Game 2, his pitching prowess is expected to shake up the series dynamics.

Roberts revealed that left-hander Blake Snell will kick off the series for the Dodgers, followed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2. Ohtani’s pitching appearance is being strategically planned for a later game in the series, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchups.

Despite a standout performance with two home runs in Game 1 of the wild card series, Ohtani has faced challenges at the plate recently, with a batting average of .148 over six postseason games. However, Roberts emphasized that the decision to have Ohtani pitch was not influenced by his hitting struggles but rather as a strategic move to utilize his pitching talents effectively.

Having made his postseason pitching debut in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ohtani showcased his abilities with a 4.50 ERA across six innings. If he takes the mound for Game 3 in Los Angeles, Ohtani will have a significant gap of 12 days between his two starts, potentially impacting his performance and adding an element of intrigue to his role in the series.

As teams gear up for the NLCS showdown, Ohtani’s dual-threat presence on the mound is poised to have a substantial impact on the outcome of the series. With the Dodgers strategically leveraging his pitching abilities, fans can anticipate an exhilarating display of Ohtani’s multifaceted talents as he aims to propel his team towards victory in the postseason clash with the Brewers.

Source: bleacherreport.com