Mookie Betts is ready to make the pitchers pay for bypassing Shohei Ohtani. The Los Angeles Dodgers will start their NLDS clash against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday and there's a good chance that walking the two-way star could be the way to go for the rival pitchers in clutch situations. That leaves the likes of Betts and Freddie Freeman following up next and doing the damage.
Ahead of the NLDS start, Betts addressed reporters when he was made aware that a potential strategy could be employed by the Phillies to not let Ohtani hit them. Betts, who has six hits in the last nine plate appearances, is ready for the challenge.
"I wouldn't let Shohei swing either. I expect the Phillies to do it, I expect the rest of the postseason for it to happen. I just got to be ready to do my thing," Betts said.
Mookie Betts doesn't blame teams for walking Shohei Ohtani to face him instead:
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) October 2, 2025
"I wouldn't let Shohei swing either, I expect the Phillies to do it, I expect the rest of the postseason for it to happen. I just got to be ready to do my thing." pic.twitter.com/70jNxXyFNT
It will be an interesting watch between the Phillies and the Dodgers. Both teams were the best in the National League, and both enter this matchup healthy.
Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani red hot entering NLDS clash vs Phillies
The Phillies pitchers need to be wary of what comes ahead. Both Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani were red-hot during the wildcard series against the Cincinnati Reds.
Betts posted a .667 batting average (six hits in nine at-bats) with three RBIs. In Game 2 vs. the Reds, Betts hit an RBI double that helped extend the Dodgers’ lead. He contributed in Game 1 as well. On the other hand, Ohtani hit two home runs in the first game against the Reds.
With Ohtani's power and Betts' ability to fire up the bases, it could be some contest to watch those two live up to the expectations and get one step closer to appearing in the World Series for the second straight year.