How MLB rule could affect Dodgers’ decision on Shohei Ohtani pitching
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Two hundred and twenty-eight days after the start of the MLB season, it will all come down to one final game.
The Los Angeles Dodgers miraculously staved off elimination Friday night with an unorthodox double play to left field and forced a Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada on Saturday night, live only on FOX.
For the Blue Jays, their Game 7 starter decision is a no-brainer, as Max Scherzer has been rested regularly and has been pitching much better of late.
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Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning during Game 4 of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
The Dodgers have a strange situation on their hands. Saturday was supposed to be normal rest for Tyler Glasnow, but he was called up to take the final three games on Friday. It only took three innings, so maybe he’s ready to go. But there is a problem with Shohei Ohtani.
After Game 6, Roberts said everyone was available except Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched six innings on Friday. Obviously, that includes Ohtani, whose 10-hit performance while hitting three home runs sent the Dodgers to the Fall Classic.
“Everyone” also includes Glasnow, who barely worked to cover the save. But because of a strange thing MLB rule, 5.11(b) This was actually made specifically for Ohtani, he may have no choice but to start.
MLB instituted a rule that if a starting pitcher is in the batting lineup, he can continue to hit despite being taken off the mound. But this is not the case for rescuers. So if Ohtani had just used the DH and relieved himself on Saturday, they would have been at risk of losing Ohtani for the rest of the game after he was taken off the mound. He would have to pitch to protect his bat, something he hasn’t done since 2021; He had just 8.1 career innings pitched during that season. In contrast, an infielder already in the squad would then be removed from the game.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he runs the bases for a solo home run in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Washington. The Dodgers won 4-1. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
DODGERS STOPPED QUALIFICATION TO SET UP WINNER-TAKE-ALL WORLD SERIES GAME 7
Numerous reports have circulated that the Dodgers plan to start Ohtani, and it seems like an obvious choice given the niche rule. Unless Ohtani does it early, Roberts will have no problem using Glasnow long term.
As for Toronto, its bullpen appears to be locked and loaded. Kevin Gausman led the team in a hard-fought six innings, and Louis Varland, Mason Fluharty and Seranthony Domínguez combined for just two innings before Chris Bassitt homered in the ninth.
George Springer looks set to return to the lineup after driving the Jays’ lone run on Friday, despite clearly being bothered by the injury he suffered during the 18-inning marathon of Game 3.
However, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his postseason performance that will be one for the record books regardless of win or loss. He is one inning away from tying Randy Arozarena’s record for most single-postseason hits in 2020 (teammate Ernie Clement is third).
Toronto Blue Jays leadoff baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returns to the dugout after an eighth-inning baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Toronto. (Christopher Katsarov/Canadian Press, via AP)
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With this win, the Dodgers would become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the New York Yankees won three in a row from 1998 to 2000. This would be the first time in almost 50 years that a team won two consecutive World Series titles on the road; the last example being the Cincinnati Reds in Boston and New York in 1975 and 1976.
As for Toronto, this win would be their first title since 1993, when Joe Carter hit a home run. This will also be the second time since 2014 that the Fall Classic has been won by the home team.
Fans definitely felt deja vu coming by the end of Friday night nine, but they’ll have to wait at least one more day.
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