The Los Angeles Dodgers are holding their biggest weapon for the biggest moment. Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Shohei Ohtani is “probably” lined up to pitch a potential Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds, or open the next round if LA advances early.
Game 1 belongs to Blake Snell, who gets the ball Tuesday at Dodger Stadium opposite Reds fireballer Hunter Greene. Game 2 will feature Yoshinobu Yamamoto against Zack Littell, with Ohtani waiting in the wings for the deciding third game if needed.
Why Ohtani isn’t starting Game 1
Ohtani was available, but the Dodgers wanted to give him an extra buffer. By pushing his start back, LA can take advantage of Thursday’s off day, keeping him rested and ready for a heavier workload later in October. Roberts said it was all about pacing: “We want to be really cognizant of him and how much we can ask of him.”
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Dodgers’ bullpen weapons
The Dodgers also have reinforcements ready if the series stretches. Emmet Sheehan, Tyler Glasnow, and Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki will be available out of the bullpen. Sasaki, who has recently rediscovered his top-end velocity, could be a secret weapon in relief. Clayton Kershaw won’t appear in the Wild Card round but will return for the NLDS if LA moves on.
All eyes on October drama
The Dodgers are betting big that Snell and Yamamoto can carry the early load, leaving Ohtani in position to deliver a knockout punch. If it comes down to a winner-take-all Game 3, the stage will be set for one of the most anticipated pitching performances of the postseason.
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