Dodgers Make Final Decision on Shohei Ohtani Pitching During NLDS Series vs. Phillies

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 10:31 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to repeat as MLB champions, but they will face a much tougher road this postseason.

They earned themselves a bye last season, however they dipped a bit and had to brave a trip to the National League Wild Card series this year.

The Dodgers easily knocked off the Cincinnati Reds in the series, winning by a combined nine runs in the two games.

Now, they will head East to take on the Philadelphia Phillies, but not before manager Dave Roberts made a big announcement .

Roberts told reporters in his postgame press conference that star pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for game one in Philadelphia.

Breaking: Shohei Ohtani will make his MLB playoff pitching debut in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced. pic.twitter.com/fp6Gv7eDwH
— ESPN (@espn) October 2, 2025

Ohtani didn’t have the luxury of making the playoffs when he was with the Los Angeles Angels and was unable to pitch for the Dodgers last year because he was still recovering from an injury.

Now, he gets the opportunity to showcase his unprecedented talents on the game’s biggest stage.

The Japanese superstar has dominated both at the plate and on the mound in his career, but has ultimately been somewhat of a part-time pitcher due to frequent arm injuries.

Los Angeles did a tremendous job of managing his workload this season and now Ohtani will finally show his true impact. He is currently batting .333 with two home runs and four RBIs in just two games, so he is giving fans hope for a special playoff run.

The Phillies have a gauntlet of talented hitters — mainly infielders Bryce Harper and Trea Turner and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber — so Ohtani will have his work cut out for him.

The series between Los Angeles and Philadelphia begins this Saturday as two of the most expensive rosters in baseball face off.

With perennial All-Stars and MVP candidates across the board, the Phillies-Dodgers showdown could be one for the ages.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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