MLB news: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani to be starting pitcher in World Series Game 7
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To comply with a unique rule, the Los Angeles Dodgers are starting superstar Shohei Ohtani on the mound in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
MLB created a rule for Ohtani called Rule 5.11(b); This rule puts the Dodgers in an awkward situation ahead of Saturday’s game, which will air exclusively on FOX at 8 p.m.
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; this is a rule that allows Ohtani to remain in the game after being removed as the starter.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani walks to the dugout during the fifth inning of Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The match was played on October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)
However, if Ohtani started the game as the team’s designated hitter and later moved into the game in relief, they would risk losing his strong bat in the lineup while he came out as a pitcher.
The only way for Ohtani to stay in the game after being used as a relief pitcher was to do something he hasn’t done much of in his career and pitch. The three-time MVP has pitched just 8 1/3 innings in his career and hasn’t done so since 2021.
SHOHEI OHTANI FACES UNIQUE MLB RULE CHALLENGES IN WINNER-TOOK-ALL GAME 7 WORLD SERIES CONVERSATION
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting a single in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the 2025 MLB World Series. The match was played at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Canada. (Dan Hamilton/Imagn Images)
With all that in mind, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will start Ohtani on the mound and make sure they can keep his bat in play no matter how many pitches he throws. It’s unclear how deep Ohtani will enter the game due to his three-day rest.
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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer looks at his dugout during the sixth inning during Game 4 of baseball’s American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners on October 16, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
Blue Jays manager John Schneider did not give Roberts as much thought, as Max Scherzer was listed as the starter before the rosters were released.
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