In a captivating World Series clash, the Los Angeles Dodgers face off against the New York Yankees, a matchup ripe with narratives, both on and off the field. However, one prominent storyline was definitively put to rest recently: the return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound is unlikely. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left no doubt about it, stating, “There is no possibility, none whatsoever,” when asked about Ohtani’s potential to pitch in the postseason. This dismissal marks a noteworthy turn for Ohtani, who has been sidelined since his major elbow surgery while with the Angels last September.
During the 2023 season, the gifted athlete transformed into a designated hitter, showcasing his remarkable skills and proving himself the frontrunner for the National League MVP after achieving an unprecedented 50/50 season—the first of its kind in Major League Baseball history. As he navigates his recovery process, Ohtani has also begun throwing off a mound, which initially raised hopes for his participation as a pitcher during the World Series. However, Roberts quickly extinguished these aspirations.
Interestingly, Ohtani himself did not exhibit disappointment at the confirmed decision that he would not be pitching. He expressed, through an interpreter, that he never communicated a desire to pitch in the postseason, suggesting a mutual understanding of his role within the team. Had he been cleared to pitch, Ohtani would have integrated into a bullpen pivotal to the Dodgers’ success in the playoffs. With only three established starters expected to take the mound, the team will likely have to rely on at least one game managed solely by their bullpen.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, they may see some reinforcements in the relief pitching department. Alex Vesia, the Dodgers’ primary left-handed reliever, has declared that he feels “90% sure” he will be included on the postseason roster after healing from an intercostal injury that sidelined him during the National League Championship Series. Vesia demonstrated his prowess in the NL Division Series, throwing three scoreless innings and boasting an impressive regular-season ERA of 1.76 over 67 appearances.
Moreover, Roberts highlighted Brusdar Graterol, a right-handed pitcher who missed a significant portion of the season due to shoulder and hamstring injuries. Despite appearing in only seven games, Graterol possesses a notable postseason record, holding a 1.64 ERA across 22 career playoff outings. As Roberts noted, the decision surrounding Graterol’s inclusion on the roster hinges on both his performance and the team’s confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully.
In the high-stakes environment of the World Series, every decision is a calculated risk. Roberts acknowledged the importance of veteran experience and the “heartbeat” that players like Graterol bring to the team dynamic. As the Dodgers prepare for their showdown against a formidable Yankees lineup, the narrative will unfold not just in the games themselves, but also through the strategic maneuvers of a seasoned manager and his team. Balancing optimism with reality is critical as the Dodgers pursue ultimate glory, with or without the electrifying presence of their two-way superstar on the mound.