Dodgers Bet on Ohtani on Short Rest for World Series Game 7
In a high-stakes move that could define the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers will start Shohei Ohtani on three days' rest for Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. The decision comes after the Dodgers forced a decisive game with a 3-1 victory in Game 6, with manager Dave Roberts making every pitcher except Yoshinobu Yamamoto available. Ohtani, who last pitched six innings in Game 4, faces the challenge of short rest while the Blue Jays counter with veteran Max Scherzer in what promises to be an epic championship finale.
With the entire season hanging in the balance, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made the bold decision to start two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani on short rest for Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. This high-risk, high-reward strategy comes after the Dodgers' dramatic 3-1 victory in Game 6 that extended their championship hopes and sets the stage for one of the most anticipated pitching matchups in recent World Series history.
The Dodgers' All-Hands Approach
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed after Game 6 that virtually every pitcher except Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be available for the winner-take-all contest. This includes Tyler Glasnow, who was originally lined up to start Game 7 but instead recorded the final three outs in Friday's Game 6 victory. The availability extends to Roki Sasaki, who faced seven batters in relief, creating multiple strategic options for Roberts in the decisive game.
Ohtani's Short Rest Challenge
Ohtani faces a significant challenge pitching on just three days' rest after throwing 93 pitches over six innings in Game 4. According to ESPN's reporting, Ohtani has only made one previous start on three days' rest in his major league career, and that came after completing just two innings in a prior start during the 2023 season. Every other start throughout his career has come with the benefit of five or six days between appearances.
Strategic Advantages of Starting Ohtani
The decision to start Ohtani rather than use him in relief provides significant strategic benefits under MLB's two-way player rules. By starting the game, Ohtani can remain in the lineup as the designated hitter after he exits as a pitcher. If he were to enter as a reliever and then exit with the game ongoing, he would need to play in the outfield to continue batting. While closing the game remains an option—similar to his role in finishing the 2023 World Baseball Classic for Japan—this approach becomes complicated by the need to warm up while potentially batting or running bases.
Blue Jays Counter with Scherzer
The Toronto Blue Jays will counter with veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, who brings extensive postseason experience to the mound. Like the Dodgers, Toronto has virtually every pitcher available except Kevin Gausman. This includes 22-year-old phenom Trey Yesavage, who dominated the Dodgers in Wednesday's Game 5 with 12 strikeouts over seven innings of one-run ball. Saturday would have been Yesavage's bullpen day, making him potentially available for relief work in the championship-deciding game.
The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 MLB season, with both teams leveraging their entire pitching arsenals in pursuit of the World Series title. Ohtani's performance on short rest will likely determine whether the Dodgers can complete their comeback or if the Blue Jays can secure their first championship in over three decades.
