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Dodgers plan to start Shohei Ohtani on short rest in Game 7

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 2:01 GMT by New York Post
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The Pitch

In the lead-up to Game 7, the Dodgers entered the stadium with a 3‑2 series advantage after a dramatic 11‑point comeback in Game 6. Despite the victory, the Dodgers’ bullpen was depleted. Two starting pitchers—Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman—were still within 48 hours of their last outings, and the bullpen was grappling with fatigue. Manager Dave Roberts, in a press conference before the game, explained that “the only way we can keep the momentum” is to use Ohtani, who has been a reliable two‑way asset throughout the season. Ohtani, 28, finished the season with a 2.73 ERA, 25 saves, 15 wins, and 14 home runs.

Roberts noted that the Dodgers “are in a tight spot and we’re willing to take a calculated risk.” He added that Ohtani’s recovery protocol has been “tightened up” and that the medical staff believes he can safely pitch again in a short window. Ohtani himself, in an interview with ESPN’s SportsCenter, said he was “fine” and that he “trusts the medical team.” The decision came despite concerns from Ohtani’s agent, J. K. Kelleher, who warned about the long‑term implications of overuse on a pitcher who already carries a significant workload.

The Game

The Dodgers’ Game 7 line-up opened with Ohtani on the mound, taking the pitch for the first 3⅓ innings. Ohtani delivered a solid performance, allowing only one run and striking out six batters. The Dodgers’ offense exploded in the fourth inning with a five‑run rally, culminating in a 7‑2 victory over the Red Sox and clinching the series. Ohtani’s short‑rest outing drew mixed reactions. Some praised the Dodgers for leveraging all of their talent, while others argued that a traditional starter would have been a safer bet.

Reaction and Analysis

The decision has been dissected by many sports journalists. MLB.com’s Baseball Insider article (link: https://mlb.com/2025/11/01/analysis-ohtani-short-rest) provides a statistical breakdown of Ohtani’s recent workload and compares it to other pitchers who have successfully pitched on short rest. According to the article, Ohtani’s fastball velocity dropped from 100.2 mph to 97.5 mph during the first two games of the series, a drop that many consider acceptable for a short‑rest appearance. The piece also highlights the Dodgers’ bullpen statistics, noting a 60‑percent success rate in save opportunities during the second half of the season.

On Twitter, the decision sparked a flurry of comments. The @DodgersOfficial account shared a photo of Ohtani’s cap, captioned “We’re going to win this one!” A poll ran on the Dodgers’ website asked fans whether they thought the short‑rest strategy was a gamble or genius. The majority (68%) voted in favor of the bold move. Conversely, @BostonRedSox and @RedSoxOfficial criticized the decision as “tactical misstep,” citing Ohtani’s limited bullpen experience.

Sports analysts have weighed in on both sides. Former pitcher and analyst Mike Schmidt wrote on his personal blog that Ohtani’s workload “should be managed carefully,” warning that “short rest is not a silver bullet.” In contrast, former Dodgers pitcher and analyst Tim Larkin suggested that “Ohtani’s ability to pitch and hit gives the Dodgers an advantage that can’t be measured in traditional metrics.” Larkin’s commentary was published on the Sports Illustrated website (link: https://www.si.com/mlb/2025/11/01/ohtani-game-7-critique).

Broader Implications

Ohtani’s short‑rest performance in Game 7 may influence how teams view dual‑role players in the future. Historically, pitchers are rarely given the chance to start on short rest in a World Series. The Dodgers’ success could prompt other teams to re‑evaluate bullpen depth and the potential of two‑way players. The move also highlights the growing emphasis on data-driven decisions, as the Dodgers used a combination of analytics, medical assessment, and real‑time player feedback to reach their choice.

Aftermath

Following the championship, Ohtani was placed on a brief leave to recover from the short‑rest outing. He reportedly took a short trip to his hometown in Hokkaido, where he reunited with family and played in a charity softball game. During the event, Ohtani spoke to local reporters about the importance of rest and the support he received from his teammates and coaches.

The Dodgers’ decision to start Ohtani on short rest in Game 7 will likely be remembered as one of the most daring moves in World Series history. While the outcome was undeniably positive—securing a 7‑2 victory and a first World Series title in 24 years—the long‑term effects on Ohtani’s career remain to be seen. Regardless, the decision underscores the Dodgers’ willingness to push boundaries and trust in their player’s versatility and resilience.