Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Makes MLB History Against Phillies

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 6:48 PM ET

Key Points:

The Los Angeles Dodgers play the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.
Shohei Ohtani is the first MLB player to start and bat leadoff in the postseason.
Ohtani posted a .282/.392/.622 slash line with 55 home runs in the 2025 regular season.
He also recorded a 2.87 ERA, 62 strikeouts in 47 pitching innings.

Shohei Ohtani is looking to help the Los Angeles Dodgers capture their second straight World Series title. They already blew past the Cincinnati Reds with a two-game sweep in the National League Wild Card series.

They've now advanced to the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies secured a first-round bye after having the second-best regular-season record in the NL.

Ohtani has a tall task ahead of him, opening up Game 1 as the starting pitcher, while batting leadoff as the designated hitter. The five-time All-Star is facing a tremendous amount of pressure.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani.© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Dodgers star has also found himself in an extremely unique position going into Game 1 against the Phillies.

MLB's Sarah Langs revealed that Ohtani is set to be the first player in MLB history to be a team's starting pitcher and bat leadoff in a postseason game.

"Only other SP to hit anywhere other than 8 or 9 in postseason: 1918 WS G4 Babe Ruth, 6th," Langs wrote.

Shohei Ohtani is the first starting pitcher to lead off in a postseason game

Only other SP to hit anywhere other than 8 or 9 in postseason:

1918 WS G4 Babe Ruth, 6th https://t.co/zkduWe0kiL
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 4, 2025

That may be a lot for the average player to handle, but based on his 2025 regular-season numbers, nobody should be doubting Ohtani's ability to perform at a high level.

As a hitter, he racked up 611 at-bats, 172 hits, 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, 109 walks, 20 stolen bases and slashed .282/.392/.622.

He was also effective when on the mound, putting together 14 starts, 47 innings, 62 strikeouts, a 2.87 ERA, and a 1.04 WHIP. Ohtani allowed just 40 hits, 15 earned runs and an opponent OPS of .574.

However, as the Dodgers look to start hot against the Phillies, Ohtani is breaking into some new territory, as this will also be the first postseason start at pitcher in his career.

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

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